RECENTLY I’ve had the most faced-paced and perhaps one of the most taxing weeks in my entire life when I was invited by Mayor Rose Uy Furigay of Lamitan City, Basilan for the despedida to be tendered by the city government for the outgoing commanding officer of the 19th Special Forces Company, Cpt. Geralfredo Andal.
I am witness to how the mayor, her Vice Mayor husband Roderick Furigay and the entire city government honoured people like Cpt. Andal who have helped tremendously in maintaining law and order in the city.
In fact, the husband and wife tandem is also relentlessly supporting the efforts of the city’s chief of police, Police Inspector Gian Gallardo, who they have seen to be performing beyond expectations just like Cpt. Andal.
For about a week of going around with the neophyte mayor who must have been elected not only because she bears the name of her husband who was the three-term mayor but most probably because of her pretty face, I was amazed at how genuine her dealings with people are, unlike many politicians whose smiles disappear as soon as they turn their backs from people.
The mayor’s charm and grace are definitely not put on.
As if possessing a beautiful face and heart isn’t enough, this 2014 ARMM Regional Outstanding Lady Executive awardee has the brains to top it all.
She graduated from college cum laude and is a licensed pharmacist.
I was also witness to the mayor’s amazing grace “under pressure” on many occasions during that week.
I saw her keep her cool when a local government employee did not deliver on an assigned task, and she was firm in deciding to teach the employee a lesson for his mistake.
I was also amazed when during a speed boat ride and many times the engine has conked out, she refused to ask assistance from authorities for rescue.
“I have to be strong for my constituents,” Mayor Furigay said. “So many people are depending on me, I cannot let them down,” she added.
Even if many times it has boggled my mind wondering where the lady mayor is getting all the physical and mental strength to do all the things which I saw her do, I eventually realized that a loving and supportive husband and two daughters have given her this strength.
She is also surrounded by efficient and hardworking staff members who adore her primarily for possessing a genuinely kind heart. BEEN THERE DONE THAT/JOSEPHINE JARON-CODILLA
