FROM LEFT: Cong. Edward Hagedorn, actor Seth Fedelin, Giselle Sanchez, and Chie Filomeno

PALAWAN - “Sorry Giselle, mag-e-eighty years old na ako, para mo na akong lolo," says Congressman Edward Hagedorn turning down my offer to bring him up onstage during the Rakudan Festival in Aborlan Palawan so I can sing to him and do some wholesome jokes with him. I couldn’t believe it.

 The legend of Palawan, not afraid of a police mob, not afraid of 2,000 mercenaries wanting to loot Puerto Princesa and kill him, but afraid of a 51-kilogram comedienne. After hearing his speech, I had to let him off the hook because of the accomplishments he has done for Puerto Princesa and Palawan. 

This legend is responsible for putting Palawan into one of the most famous ecotourism destinations in the Philippines. Puerto Princesa’s Underground River is now a UNESCO World Heritage site because of him. Puerto Princesa, where Hagedorn was mayor for more than two decades, is also a global model for environment protection, elevating the city into the Hall of Fame as the Philippines' “cleanest and greenest” component city and winning several global recognition and awards in the process. 

After his speech, old women were crying, people wanted to touch him like he was some god. I had to pick this man’s brain, so I asked him to invite me for breakfast the next day. He took me to the best coffee shop in Palawan to have breakfast- Gold Cup Three. And this was our story:

Giselle: Congressman Hagedron, I only have one question. I watched your movie 'Hagedorn' starring Fernando Poe back in the ‘90s. How can a gangster involved in logging in Palawan suddenly have a change of heart for the environment after becoming mayor? A total 180-degree turn, do you agree with me? 

Hagedorn: Yes you may call me a gangster in my past life. I was a bandit in my old life. I was a logger in Palawan. I didn’t care because I was not from Palawan, to begin with. I was from Tambo, Parañaque. We cut down trees in Palawan regardless of their kind. I did not care, I was young and making money. I was so bad to the environment that I  used to shoot down birds for no reason. And then in 1992, I ran for mayor to continue my illegal gambling activities. I won by a  landslide and during my inaugural speech, I suddenly forgot my entire speech onstage and  I found myself rambling not knowing what I was saying. When I reviewed the tape, I saw that I had promised to stop all illegal activities in Puerto Princesa. I said out of gratitude I will protect the natural resources. That was the turning point of my life, the start of my New Life. So I think it was the Lord who put the words in my mouth. I  gave up logging and jueteng and went after the 'untouchables' engaged in environmentally destructive activities. I just fell in love with Palawan and the Palaweños. I realized nature is very, very beautiful. I had a major attack of conscience. I wanted to uplift the lives of my constituents while safeguarding the environment. I wanted to instill in them discipline, peace and order, and cleanliness, and entice people’s participation. The success of any government-led project ultimately lies in the people’s cooperation. The people know if you’re just fooling them.” 

My jaw dropped. No wonder this mayor ran Puerto Princesa for more than two decades and is now making laws for Palawan as a congressman. And now I understand how Palawan rose from being known as the land of Malaria and leprosy to one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world with hotels and businesses thriving left and right. God chooses radical people. Thank you Congressman Hagedorn for allowing God to use you to help your fellow Filipinos.