Pampanga Congressman Dong Gonzales yesterday showed me photos of the historic moment when then President-elect Rody Duterte announced that I was his choice as Agriculture Secretary.
I was so grateful that he was able to save the photos of that turning moment in my life.
That was May 16, 2016, a week after the elections which my friend, Rody Duterte, won by a margin of over 6-million votes.
It was his first public appearance as he received well-wishers (including political butterflies and instant turncoats, he he he) in his temporary office, Matina Enclaves in Davao City.
I had no plan of seeing him actually because I knew there would be a long line of people.
But my friend, Rene Concordia, asked me to witness the appointment of lawyer Andrea Domingo.
Entering his office with the group of then Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Cong. Gonzales, Cavite Gov. Boying Remulla and several others.
While they engaged the President-elect in a conversation, Rody’s alter ego, Bong Go, pulled.me aside and asked me what post would I be interested to hold if I were asked to join government.
Without batting an eyelash, I told Bong that given a chance to work with the President, I would like to be Agriculture Secretary.
“What’s you’re second choice, Sir?” Bong asked me.
I remembered saying: “Wala koy second choice Bong. That’s the only position I like.”
Bong smiled and seconds later, the President called me saying: “Man, magtabi ka kay Andrea (Domingo).”
I stood there not knowing that after announcing Andrea’s appointment as PAGCOR chair, he would say: ” and the next Agriculture Secretary, Gov. Manny Piñol…”
I was stunned and so happy that I almost cried. It was a dream realized. I have always dreamed of becoming Agriculture Secretary.
Bong, who was in the sideline, pulled me and said: “Congrats Sir. Kagabii pa niya gisulti nga ikaw ang Agri.”
Three days after that defining moment in my life, on May 19, 2016, I started a journey around the country which I called “Biyaheng Bukid” to reach out to the country’s farmers and fisher folks.
The journey continues until today and I will not stop until I have heard the last cry of the farmers and fisher folks.
I thank President Duterte for giving me the chance of working to improve the lives.of the poor farmers and fisher folks, a dream I have long nurtured.
(Photos by Cong. Dong Gonzales)
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