Mayor Arlene Arcillas-Nazareno: Her father's daughter

MANILA, Philippines - The long and short of her becoming the mayor of Santa Rosa City is accompanied by a gruesome event — the killing of her father, Leon Arcillas, who was on his last term as mayor of Santa Rosa when he was shot dead inside the city hall in 2005.

Yes, that time, Arlene Arcillas-Nazareno was full of grief — the kind that was indescribable for a daughter who lost a father. But she was also full of hope — the kind that streamed from her selfless desire to continue what her father had left behind. In 2007, Arlene Arcillas-Nazareno got the mandate of the people of Santa Rosa City. Ever since then, she has never stopped dreaming and accomplishing big for her constituents.

Arlene admits her father had a very big influence on her. “I have never dreamt of becoming a politician or even work for the government,” says Arlene who finished BS Biology from UP Los Baños. “In 1984, my Dad forced me to run as Kabataang Barangay chairman. Then I accepted the position of Federation chairman, making me a municipal councilor at the age of 15. Then my father convinced me to run for the council in 2004 and became No. 1 councilor,” she recounts. She adds that with the untimely death of her father she realized all the more her obligation to the city and its people. She has come to love being a public servant.

Under her term, Santa Rosa City has been given many sobriquets like “one of the most competitive cities in the Philippines”, “one of the most liveable cities”, “the ICT hub in the region” and “the No. 1 next wave city.” These, for Arlene, are proof enough of the unwavering involvement of the private sectors and other stakeholders in the city.

With these accolades, Arlene throws back the glory to the people she works with in the city. “The fact that I’m able to empower all departments and offices and their respective heads to work together in harmony is already a big achievement for me. (Working harmoniously) is the start of a city government that is efficient and effective.”

“My father taught me perseverance; that I shouldn’t give up what I believe in until I get it and prove that I can do something with that belief. He showed me that lesson by his own personal experience. He lost three times before he became mayor,” Arlene says.

As for the lessons from her mother, Arlene says, “My Mom has always been patient and accepting of things and situations. I guess my being strong in character I got more from my mother.”

The many lessons Arlene learned in life are the same teachings she imparts to her children — Angelo, 19 and Monica, 14.

“I tell my kids that we always have to be strong and be able to adapt to the many challenges and changes in life. I also teach them to love and be thankful for the many blessings that they have,” she concludes.—Büm d. Tenorio, Jr.