Next week, I officially start working as a staff member of incoming Davao City Second District Councilor Louie John Bonguyan. I have been working with him for the past month. But next week, the real work begins.

Today was the farewell session of the 14th City Council. It was also the last session of outgoing Vice-Mayor Luis “Louie” C. Bonguyan as the Vice-Mayor and presiding officer. It was a long session full of farewell speeches. Some boring, but mostly interesting enough to be listened to. Incoming Vice-Mayor Inday Sara Duterte and some other incoming city councilors were also present as guests. The Davao-based Himig Singers were also there to provide some entertainment.

It was a bittersweet experience for me. It was my first time to witness a council session. It was bitter because it was Vice-Mayor Bonguyan’s last session. Vice-Mayor Bonguyan is Daddy to me. Nope, I am not his illegitimate child. I am his wife’s niece and he and his wife Ching, my Mommy, were the ones who brought me up. I witnessed first hand how Daddy and the entire familly went through the ups and downs of politics. I know for a fact, despite the criticisms, how dedicated he is to the progress of Davao City. As I listened to his farewell speech, I was not proud, not only of him, but of the entire City Council. They give me more reasons to be proud of this city.

I remember not so long ago, there was chaos, mudslinging and infighting in the city council. But somehow, they all pulled through and delivered more than necessary. For me, they epitomize true public service. That’s the sweet part.

Moreover, today’s session gave me a preview of the career I am about to embark on. Starting Monday, I have, to a certain extent, the privilege and burden of working as a public servant. It excites me to think that like my cousin, there are many younger politicians entering the scene. Vice Mayor Inday Sara is, in fact at 28 years old, going to be the youngest member of the 15th City Council. Most elected city councilors are also going to retire, or rest, after the 2010 elections. It is indeed going to be a challenging three years for the entire 15th City Council. They would have to live up to the legacies of the remarkable 14th City Council and those before it.

NAKS! Masyado na akong seryoso…

Trivia: Free WiFi sa SP Session Hall.