Politics

5 politicians who made an impact on the lives of Filipinos in 2020

Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 10:22 AM by Stacy dela Fuente

The expected gains and changes that many politicians envisioned suffered a setback this 2020 primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the series of typhoons that heavily struck the country.

While these circumstances may have been enough to dampen the spirits of many, there were a number of politicians who opted to rise above the ashes and to confront the problems and issues head-on. Here are the five politicians who made a huge difference in the country's war against the dreaded coronavirus and the relentless storms.

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1. Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto

5 politicians who made an impact on the lives of Filipinos in 2020 — Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Source: UGC

When the pandemic started to ravage the country at the end of the first quarter of 2021, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto took his place at the forefront of the battle. Amid a strong lockdown imposed in the country, the young Mayor initiated cash aids, mostly derived from the savings of the city. Those who benefited from the cash aids were those who were left without work or source of income such as jeepney drivers, UV Express shuttles, tricycle drivers, and a lot more. He also spearheaded transportation for frontliners who were needed in hospitals.

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2. Marikina City Mayor Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro

Mayor Teodoro initiated the establishment of Marikina's coronavirus testing center so that the city would be able to test its own residents without being dependent on the country's Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). Mayor Teodoro said that what should be exercised at the time was common sense. It took DOH almost a month to accredit the Marikina facility, which a week after was described by Health Secretary Francisco Duque as "one of the best."

3. Vice President Leni Robredo

Vice President Leni Robredo personally oversaw the relief operations during Typhoon Ulysses. She coordinated with rescue teams to reach those who were trapped in Cagayan and kept the public updated through her official Twitter account. The OVP's donation drives were able to accumulate a substantial amount of funds used for the victims of typhoon Ulysses.

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4. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno

Like other mayors, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno was also at the forefront of the pandemic's battle. He said in Metro's report that he slept for three months at the office during the ECQ. They established the Manila Infectious Disease Control Center in the Sta. Ana Hospital, which he said was the first one that was set up in the country. Quarantine facilities were also built, and a lot of protective equipment was purchased by the city government.

5. Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian

Mayor Rex Gatchalian also ensured that his constituents were not left to fend off for themselves. The government gave food packs to families. They also prioritized seniors and made sure that they receive help from the local government. Government staff also went house to house to give food stubs to ensure that people would have food amid the crisis.

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