At a time of gloom and despair brought about by the pandemic, leaders should step up in serving their constituencies and inspire others to be better versions of themselves and take action in helping their countrymen.
Senator Joel Villanueva and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno exchanged views on serving and inspiring people in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic on television Saturday night.
Moreno was special guest at “AksyonTime,” the 30-minute magazine show which Villanueva hosts over A2Z Channel 11. Villanueva interviewed the Manila mayor on a wide range of topics from issues and concerns of local government in responding to the needs of the people in the pandemic to their thoughts and reflections as public servants.
“It’s really important to calm people down. Leaders should inspire people, through action, through visual medium,” Moreno said during his discussion with Villanueva.
Villanueva said Moreno was an example of dedication to public service, saying his struggle from poverty to becoming the chief executive of the country’s capital serves as an inspiration for people to aspire and take action to achieve one’s dreams.
After a showbiz career, Moreno trained his sights on public service, starting his political career as councilor in Manila’s first district. He continued climbing the political ladder until being elected mayor in 2019.
"We pay the price. We need to do what we have to do. But with that, I’m somehow depriving my family,” Moreno said of the time he’s spending performing his duties as mayor of the country’s capital city.
Moreno said he always reminds his children of his days as a scavenger to keep them grounded. Villanueva and Moreno also tackled the efforts of the government in providing better lives for the people while fighting COVID-19.
AksyonTime marks the return of Villanueva on television, after years of hiatus in hosting a public affairs show. The senator previously produced and hosted the multi-awarded public affairs program “Adyenda,” which tackled current issues and concerns. AksyonTime airs every Saturday night every Saturday at 10:15 pm on A2Z Channel 11.