BY LOY PALAPOS“Kausaban ug Kalamboan sa Mabini†is a byword today of the Mabininhons. The maxim sums up the vision of the man who presently leads the friendly and humble people of Mabini, that eastern town dubbed as “Alimango Country.â€
For doubting Thomases, his vision appears lofty and unattainable. But his constituents have seen for themselves the initial fulfillment of the vision. A look at the much improved and beautified municipal hall, with its magnificent fence, comparable to those in big cities, will convince an observer that the man at the municipal helm has proven equal to his tasks. Together with Vice Mayor Esther T. Tabigue, and the much energized and professionalized Sangguniang Bayan Members, Mayor Rances’ able and participatory leadership is unparalleled in the annals of the town.
The dream of serving and leading his fellowmen was ingrained in his psyche by his parents, the late Engineer Eduardo Estorba Rances of Jagna and Angelina Ayag Rances, a retired principal of Mabini. An ineffable joy was felt by the couple in Cebu City on August 3, 1960 when a handsome and brawny boy was given by the Almighty to them. Having a boy was always their dream after giving birth to a beautiful and charming daughter, Sisinia, now a medical doctor residing in Houston, Texas with her husband Erwin Lofranco and their three (3) kids. After the boy, the couple later on welcomed the birth of their youngest sibling, Polizena, or “Zizi,†a nurse.
The boy was named Stephen, after the first Christian martyr. Pen, as his friends call him, grew up under the tutelage and discipline of his parents and aunts. He finished his elementary studies at Mabini Central Elementary School in 1971 and secondary at the diocese-run Santa Monica Institute, formerly Mabini Institute, which his great grandfather owned and managed.
Coming from a deeply religious family, he entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in 1977 to aim for a priestly vocation. However, “many are called but few are chosen,†the Bible says. In 1984, after seven years inside the seminary, he made a decision that immediately changed his life. Instead of pursuing the “road less traveled,†he chose the beaten path of public service and married life.
He married the Kim Basinger-look-a-like Marisse Rapatalo, a niece of Ex-Mayor Nestor C. Ayag, M.D. and his immediate neighbor. Generally, people admire the nearly perfect combination of the couple, not only for their looks and bearing but also for their character and grace. Although Marisse has a degree in Commerce, she chose not to seek a personal career which, considering her intelligence, she would have succeeded in. Instead she decided to concentrate on serving her husband and her lovely and cute daughters: Stephanie Marie, a senior nursing student at Holy Name University, the gracious 6-year old Steffi Mairi, and beautiful 3-year old Stefan Maryss.
He first entered public service as a Barangay Captain of Poblacion II from 1994-1998 where he improved the barangay multi-purpose hall, the recreation facilities, the lighting and sound systems; and most noteworthy was his success to rekindle in his constituents the sense of participation in the affairs of the government. Hence, the puroks were re-activated and the volunteerism of the people is manifested by the frequent conduct of clean-up drives and “Parol†contests during Christmastime. These and more concerns earned the respect and admiration of his constituents and the Mabininhons at large; thus, he was awarded as the town’s Most Outstanding Barangay Captain in 1996. Because of his accomplishments and leadership, which apparently revolutionized barangay governance in Mabini, his colleagues in the Liga ng mga Barangay and the constituents of Mabini elected him as No. 1 Kagawad of the town, despite the fact that he ran as an Independent Candidate during the May 1998 polls.
Being of practical and down-to-earth mindset, he acted as fiscalizer in the august halls of the Sangguniang Bayan. He authored ordinances and resolutions whose common direction is addressing the needs of his poor and marginalized fellowmen. The people found in him a champion for their causes.
He could have remained as SB member until now. But the winds of change must be listened to. Public interest is his priority. Thus, he embarked on a new journey because of the deafening call of the majority for him to head the town in the 2001 elections. It was a situation that called for him his utmost analytical mind before making a decision. One hour before the deadline of filing the certificates of candidacy and after a telephone call from Houston, Texas, he silently filed his certificate of candidacy for the mayoralty position.
Vox populi, vox Dei. The voice of the people is the voice of God. He was elevated to the highest position of the town on July 1, 2001. Mabini found in him a new brand of style of leadership. Owing to the disciplinary training he got from his parents, Mayor Rances has set straight the guidelines of conduct of elected officials and employees of the town, with the Code of Conduct of Public Officials and Employees and the Local Government Code as his guides, among others. A very noteworthy spectacle among townfolks and visitors at the municipal hall today is the large billboard enumerating the different financial reports per projects and activities of the town. Clearly, a manifestation of transparency in governance which is among his major platforms of government.
Because of his sterling performance he was re-elected Mayor in the 2004 election, and last May was mandated a third term. His projects are enumerable, including the following: repair, improvement and renovation of municipal building, plaza, training center, tennis court; construction of waterworks system; installation of street lighting facilities; construction and operation of Bantay Dagat Patrol Boat; construction of solar drying pavement; construction of a 3 bridges under the President’s Bridge Program; concreting of approximately 5 kilometers of road; construction of the Public Market costing P 7 M; purchase of heavy equipment; acquisition of an ambulance; Poverty Alleviation involving the 22 barangays of Mabini, costing P 19.8 M, which is a part of people empowerment; and scores of other projects about to be implemented.
Mayor Rances is also establishing ties with Governor Erico B. Aumentado, his kumpare and mentor, and other national figures, like Senator Manny Villar, among others. He also welcomes the various accredited people’s and non-governmental organizations into the municipality.
No wonder that his campaign posters simply said, “PEN,†that is Proven Effective Na. A manifestation that he is always abreast even with the current parlance. Slogans help and the voting public is now conscious about qualifications and performance. Last May 14, 2007 Mayor Stephen Rances was given another mandate by the people. He spearheaded Mabini from fifth to fourth class municipality in his first term. Plans are underway to elevate the town to third class. This is a mayor with a vision and mission.
published by
The Bohol Standard 6/24/2007
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Topic: Stephen Ayag Rances: Fulfilling His Vision for Mabini, Bohol (Read 10548 times)