Today, we celebrate the birthday of our country’s leader, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Having served in government since the time of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and observing the administrations of President Noynoy Aquino and President Rodrigo Duterte, I have seen how each president brought with them their own character, strengths, and priorities. President GMA was known for her economic expertise and decisive management style. President PNoy carried a strong advocacy for honesty and good governance. President Duterte was marked by his political will and relentless focus on peace and order.

Now, under President BBM, I see a different kind of leadership—one defined by grace under fire, by quiet strength that resists noise and distractions, and by visible change that comes from promises fulfilled.

Though soft-spoken and calm, President BBM has already delivered on many of his campaign and SONA promises—proof that quiet leadership can move mountains.

Through the Department of Budget and Management headed by Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the President pushed forward reforms that opened government to its people. He is the first President to institutionalize the Open Government Partnership, making citizen participation, civil society engagement, and grassroots involvement a permanent part of governance. This is a historic leap for transparency, making government less about secrecy and more about accountability.

He also fulfilled a major promise to strengthen our education system. Under his administration, the DBM created thousands of new positions—20,000 teaching posts and 15,000 non-teaching posts—so teachers can focus more on teaching rather than being buried in paperwork. For decades, public school teachers carried both the burden of teaching and administrative work. Now, their load is lighter, and their classrooms are better supported. This was coupled with the signing of the Expanded Career Progression System for Teachers, ensuring that no teacher retires at the entry-level rank of Teacher I. With BBM, teachers can finally look forward to dignified career growth.

He has also kept his word on supporting the most vulnerable. His SONA commitment to expand 4Ps benefits for indigent mothers with very young children is now reality. I’ve read stories of mothers who can finally buy milk, diapers, and ensure proper health checkups for their babies, thanks to higher grants. The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are crucial—and this support gives Filipino children a stronger start in life.

He has not forgotten our government workers either. True to his commitment, salary adjustments for government employees were implemented, a recognition of their hard work and their vital role in delivering public service. For years, many civil servants worked with stagnant pay despite increasing demands. Under BBM, they received long-overdue relief, boosting morale and reaffirming that their service is valued.

At the same time, President BBM showed his deep respect for our soldiers, police, and uniformed personnel by approving an increase in their subsistence allowance. For those who risk their lives daily in service of peace and security, this is more than just an allowance—it is a message that their sacrifices are recognized and that the government stands firmly behind them.

And perhaps one of the most important reforms signed under his watch—the New Government Procurement Act (RA 12009). Finally, after years of clamor, we now have a modernized system that is transparent, digitalized, and streamlined. This law makes sure government spending goes where it is needed most, with less room for waste and corruption.

What I admire most is that he always puts people above politics. Secretary Amenah often tells me— even if a program is pushed by a political opponent, if he sees that it will benefit Filipinos, he supports it. He does not punish or withhold for political reasons. His measure of leadership is the common good, not political gain.

And then there is his family. To me, the first test of leadership is how a man leads and loves his home. In this, President BBM has succeeded remarkably. Together with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, he has raised three sons—Representative Sandro, Simon, and Vincent Marcos—who are not only eloquent, diplomatic, and respectful, but also remarkably humble and grounded despite their stature.

I’ve had the chance to see and speak with Representative Sandro Marcos a number of times, and I can say with certainty that his future is very promising. He is intelligent, eloquent, kind, hardworking, and capable. Whenever I hear him speak, I am reminded of his late grandfather, President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.—the same eloquence, conviction, and brilliance shining through. If this is the kind of legacy BBM and the First Lady have nurtured, then we can only expect even greater things from their family in service of our nation.

Sometimes I wonder how President BBM keeps his composure amid critics and detractors. If it were me, I might have already lashed out. But he chooses peace, grace, and steady focus on his goals for our people. That is leadership by quiet strength. That is grace under fire.

On his birthday, I pray that God blesses him with more wisdom, strength, and good health so he can continue to steer our nation toward progress. I also hope he finds time to rest and enjoy life’s simple joys with First Lady Liza and their sons Sandro, Simon, and Vincent—the very people who ground him and remind us that great leadership begins at home.

For President BBM, I see both strength and kindness. I see leadership that is humble, calm, and quietly effective. I see grace under fire, quiet strength, and visible change.

There is Hope!