Ulirang Ina lives up to her name

MANILA, Philippines – It is said that names can eventually become self-fulfilling prophecies. This has never been truer than in the case of Uliran Joaquin — two-time Ulirang Ina Awardee and now the recipient of the Ina ng Bayan Award.

Her name in Filipino is perhaps one of the highest compliments that can be given to anyone — not only because the word uliran implies a sense of excellence, but because the word serves as a call for imitation and replication. Pag binansagan kang Uliran ikaw ay nagsisilbing ehemplo na  karapat-dapat gayahin.

And this is exactly what the life of this remarkable woman is all about — a life characterized by a sincere, astute and principled brand of leadership that should serve as a model to everyone.

Uliran Joaquin’s career in public service has been marked by accomplishments and milestones that underscore this remarkable woman’s single-minded focus and determination.

As a three-term congresswoman of Laguna, she has worked on various committees including the Committee on Poverty Alleviation, Natural Resources, Interparliamentary Relation and Diplomacy, Basic Education, and Defense and Foreign Affairs. Indeed, she was judged the “Most Outstanding Congresswoman” in her first year of office. This distinction was granted to her consecutively during her nine-year congressional term.

But her exceptional skill as a leader was not only exhibited in Congress. In fact, in every office she has served through the years, she has made sure that operational efficiency and personnel well-being were the priority. And positively impacting organizations like the Ulirang Mamamayan ng Laguna, Catholic Women’s League and the San Pedro Leones Club is testament to this.

Aside from being a remarkable public servant, Uliran Joaquin is also a staunch environmental advocate. In fact, as a congresswoman, she has either sponsored or co-authored several pieces of legislation dedicated to sustainable development. These include House Bill 04431 (an act imposing a nationwide commercial log ban); House Bill 01452 (an act creating the Department of Environmental Protection and Sanitation); and House Bill 02472 (an act integrating the study of environmental protection in the curriculum of all public and private schools).

Having noted Uliran Joaquin’s strong environmental stance and impeccable performance as a three-time Laguna congresswoman, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed Uliran Joaquin as the Chairperson of the Laguna Lake Development Authority.

Here, she is currently leading the drive to correct internal procedural weaknesses and address external perceptions of the organization. Her vision and strongest platform as Laguna Lake Development Authority Chairperson is introducing and implementing the concept of environmental livelihood as a response to the growing environmental and economic divide. By taking on these challenges, Uliran Joaquin has been able to enact a more professional and productive Laguna Lake Development Authority.

An environmental livelihood advocate. A consummate Lagueno. A tireless public servant. A mother. A wife. A woman. And at the core of all of these, she has always stayed true to the promise of her name — Uliaran. She is the remarkable woman who has sought to become a model, an inspiration and a challenge to the people not only of Laguna, but of the whole country as well.