A high-ranking House of Representatives official has praised the upbringing of presidential Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos, whom he has watched grow from an unassuming fresh graduate to one of the country’s most promising young leaders.

Sharing his front row seat view of Rep. Marcos' journey so far is House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Ponyong Gabonada.

I’ve had the rare privilege of witnessing the growth of Cong. Sandro Marcos, not just in position, but in character, purpose, and leadership, Gabonada wrote in a recent Facebook post.

I first met him fresh from graduate school in London, during his early days at the Office of then Majority Leader, now Speaker Martin Romualdez, in the 18th Congress. Like many, I had my own first impressions. Coming from one of the most prominent political families in the country, I expected a sense of entitlement, perhaps the typical airs of the privileged. But within just a few hours of talking to him, I was proven completely wrong, he said.

Gabonada described the soon-to-be solon as down-to-earth, humble, approachable, and genuinely eager to learn.

The House official said Rep. Marcos displayed no arrogance, no airs, just quiet confidence and sincerity. Gabonada added, He asked thoughtful questions. He listened intently. He even prepared coffee for guests.

I still remember asking him, 'Why didn’t you run in Ilocos?' He looked me in the eye and said: 'I’m not ready. I’m not prepared. The people of Ilocos deserve a good and prepared leader. I need to learn,' he said.

Gabonada said Rep. Marcos' answer struck him deeply. It reflected not just humility, but a serious respect for public service. It was clear to me then: this young man was raised with values, and with purpose.

Today, six years later, he is the representative of Ilocos Norte and senior deputy majority leader, a role that demands strategic skill, a deep understanding of legislation, and the ability to build consensus across competing interests, the deputy secretary general said of 31-year-old solon.

He has risen to the challenge, and his contributions to the success of the 19th Congress speak volumes. But beyond all this, the heart of his character lies in how he was raised, Gabonada said.

For this, he said Rep. Marcos' parents President! Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos deserve tremendous credit.

To the President and the First Lady: Congratulations. You have raised not just a son, but a leader. The kind of leader our country needs more of, grounded, diligent, and forward-looking, said Gabonada.

He also thanked Speaker Romualdez and Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe for their mentorship of Rep. Marcos. You didn’t just teach him policy, you helped shape his character as a young public servant ready to face the challenges ahead.

Rep. Marcos was reelected in last month's mid-term elections.