By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Matt Palabrica, Board Member, 3rd District of Iloilo earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree, major in Public Administration from Central Philippine University in 2007.
It takes about an hour by land to reach the Municipality of Bingawan, which is situated in the Northern part of Iloilo, from Iloilo City. One will see the development of the town from a modest agricultural area to a currently vibrant economic hub with commercial establishments. The developments and progress of the Municipality is popularly attributed to the efforts and dedication of Centralian leaders, the Palabricas among them.
The former mayor of Bingawan, Zafiro Palabrica has handed down the values of dedication and service to his sons Matt and Mark Palabrica, who have been Mayors in their time. Dr. Matt Plagata Palabrica was Mayor of Bingawan from 2007 to 2016; handed over the leadership to his brother, now Bingawan Mayor Mark P. Palabrica, when he was elected Board Member of the 3rd District of Iloilo. The brothers are Centralian Alumni and effective leaders who have transformed the landscape of Bingawan, as well as the attitudes and initiatives of their people.
Dr. Matt Palabrica, Board Member, 3rd District of Iloilo earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree, major in Public Administration from Central Philippine University in 2007. In an interview with Palabrica, he was asked, “How did your leadership influence the development of the town of Bingawan like it is now?” He said that “The transformation of Bingawan was contributed in part by the legacy of our father, and the Baptist background of our family. They inspired a different brand of leadership in us.”
He explained that “Bingawan was born out of the Municipality of Calinog. Our folks inculcated in us a discipline to be independent – to rise above the situation.” The apparent transformational leadership according to Palabrica “requires us to impose strict discipline, which is why Bingawan up to now is declared the only Drug Free municipality in the province of Iloilo.”
“Our development and progress relies on transparency. Social accountability in governance is strictly imposed in Bingawan. There seems to have an economic development and direction with people empowerment”, said Board Member Palabrica. “It is healthy for our leaders to initiate social interaction,” he added.
The Municipality of Bingawan has had major accomplishments under the leadership of Dr. Matt Palabrica, almost every year since 2011. Among the prestigious awards, Bingawan received the 2019 Model LGU Implementing Kapit Bisig sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Program; Galing Pook Award, Seal of Good Local Governance by DILG and Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping by DAR and MDFO
It was learned from Board Member Palabrica that the Municipality is now engaged with the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority in the production of abaca and abaca products. The main crops produced by Bingawan are rice and sugarcane at present. It richly promotes black rice as well.
“One good strategy of the transformational leader is to make programs of the municipality developmental and must come from the people. Furthermore, it has to have a big impact on the lives of the masses,” Palabrica said.
Finally, he shared a verse that continues to inspire him. It is from 2 Chronicles 7:14 that says, “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”
Dr. Matt Palabrica is a current member of the CPU Corporation, and President of the Convention Baptist Young Adults Fellowship of the Philippines.