By Arvin Santiago
People are accustomed to the traditional leadership where they often put government officials at the “top of the pyramid,” nearly to the level of celebrities. Some folks are used to this system and will accept the bare minimum rather than what they truly deserve. This typical leadership style that exists until today is something that Hugh Bartolome wishes to avoid.
Hugh is a candidate for Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman of Barangay Mayamot. He is driven to run for an SK post since, as a child, he saw both of his parents serve Sitio Summerville as Chairpersons. His parents may have genuinely motivated him to be a leader, but he is built differently. He aspires to be his own kind of leader.
Servant leadership is the type of direction that Hugh wants to instill in his time if he wins the election. To be a servant-leader, someone must be willing to sacrifice himself by putting the needs of others ahead of his own. This leader must also be concerned with the community’s growth and general welfare.
Hugh acquired the value of servant leadership by attending Victory Fellowship Christian Church. He was able to establish his relationship with God, which strengthened his compassion to continue on this pathway. Hugh’s goal is to revitalize the lives of Mayamot Youth while embracing his “calling” in life — to serve God and the people.
Hugh and his team, Ka-Mayans intend to prioritize education by providing scholarships to smart yet financially underprivileged students. Hugh acknowledged the educational crisis we are facing right now.
“May reyalidad po tayo na hindi po lahat sa kabataan ay may pribilehiyong makapag-aral,” he said.
One area he wants to emphasize is computer media literacy. He wants his supporters to be critical thinkers to protect themselves from being deceived by fake news. Hugh also wants to build livelihood ventures for out-of-school youngsters. Providing additional opportunities to persons who had been victims of unfavorable life circumstances is one of his goals.
He also mentioned that one of the most serious issues in Mayamot is teenage pregnancy. Hugh, a third-year Psychology major at Centro Escolar University, believes that this problem may have an impact not only on the economy of Mayamot but also on the mental and physical health of children. As a remedy, he stated that by properly conducting seminars and lectures on sex education, the cases of early age pregnancies in Mayamot will decrease.
Hugh’s objectives for his community are clearly part of his wider goal of youth development. As he continues his journey to self-mastery and service to society, Hugh also wants Mayamot and Antipolo residents to hear this from him:
“Gusto ko pong mainintindihan natin lalo na sa mga kabataan ay yung kahalagahan ng purpose sa buhay. Kapag may purpose ang isang tao, talagang may direksyon kung saan siya pupunta. Naniniwala po ako na kapag may purpose ay may kasipagan,” he said.
“Nawa’y hayaan niyo ako mga kabarangay ko na tulungan po kayo na Makita ang inyong mga purpose.”