Nonoy

He came in like any ordinary mortal – cool, rugged, boyish. Splashing toothy smile, he’s qualified to be an actor as he said in jest.  You would  even almost mistook  him as non-entity. His looks is  not one of a boy-next-door type as he wears very simple attire – ordinary polo and black maong pants; neither he qualifies as new kid in town. He’s reserved and humility is seen all over his face and his appearance. There’s glitter of hope in his eyes. His voice is clear and resonant and good one as singer. There’s magic when he talks giving you benefits of your doubt on many issues raised.  He has his hands crossed and walks casually as Fr. Feliciano Marquez, SSP blessed the newly inaugurated DBM RO-X, Recreation and Conference Center  not long ago in DBM RO-X Building, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City.

Except for an economist and a photographer he brought along, there was  no cordon-sanitaire allowing him to move freely.  Not even a member of media was there except for this writer Dir. Anabelle Atillo of DBM RO-10 happens to  invite to perform which later turned out  performing  doxology. Privacy  of Nonoy was already secured by Dir. Atillo as she earlier  confided that the affair would be held simply and exclusively for  the Department away from the peering eyes of the media. It’s actually a song prayer and I just intoned prayer while instrumental is on and mid-way in a song to make it effective and personal.

Such was the aura of the man and it’s really uncomplicated and  good gesture except that he holds very important and powerful cabinet position, one that is entrusted with the purse of the nation as head of Department of Budget and Management no less, an office any stakeholders and politicians can’t afford to mess up or there would be problem when your budget dries up. He was unbeaten in his District as Congressman before he was taken  as DBM Secretary of PGMA. He would be back in his District when there would be change of leadership. He is Nonoy, actually a Bicolano term for Dodong or as Bai for Visayan, Dir. Atillo clarified. He would be running actually again as Congressman in his District to resume enacting relevant laws for the country. He is definitely  a future  Senator and very strong political timber of the country’s presidency. He is Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr.

What a heartwarming encounter this writer had with Sec. Andaya. Naturally the occasion was there  for  us to discuss topics  – politics what else- given its trend now. Among others, possible face-off election of two leading presidential winners to clothe majority mandate and secure peace of the nation.  Most unlikely and no need as the two majority party are seemingly at it, he clarified.  And what about Gibo, it’s just unfortunate that he was trailing way behind Noynoy Aquino and Manny Villar in surveys, he shared. But the tide of the survey might turn the other way around given Gibo’s performance in as many forum and mock elections conducted  among the school and the youth.  This writer and everybody else in the table just  agree. Besides, there’s the political machinery all the way down in different municipalities and barangays not enjoyed by Liberal and Nacionalista party. Whatever it is, this is a democratic country and Gibo knows that his loyalty to his party ends when his loyalty to the country starts.

            This encounter with Nonoy would definitely one of its kind and it’s indeed amazing that person like him despite holding such lofty position in the government could easily bend down and reach out for people regardless of persuasion. That could be treasured in the lifetime but it is hoped that we could meet someday somewhere to continue the discussion. Cheers to Dir. Annabelle Atillo for the unsolicited occasion but turned out very fulfilling one.