IN 1982, a resident of Barangay Handumanan, Bacolod City was first hired as a job order worker in the Highway Maintenance Division of the City Engineer’s Office (CEO).
He is Ritchie Opao, 63, single, who, though unaware of what the years ahead would bring, carried a strong desire to work diligently for his beloved city.
From that day forward, Opao devoted the next 42 years to the city government — an often uncertain position that offered little security. Yet he performed his duties with unwavering commitment, showing the same determination he had on his very first day.
Over the decades, he witnessed administrations rise and transition. Many colleagues retired, moved on, or shifted paths, but Opao remained a constant presence — a testament to years of honest labor and an exceptional work ethic.
He represented the kind of public servant rarely seen in the spotlight but indispensable to daily city life. Under scorching sun or pouring rain, he maintained roads, cleared waterways, and cleaned creeks — tasks that often involved mud, waste, and grime, yet he faced them without hesitation.
For Opao, serving Bacolod meant embracing every responsibility, no matter how difficult. He worked quietly, never seeking recognition, believing that genuine service lies in fulfilling one’s duty — even when no one is watching.
After 42 years of dedicated work, the administration of Mayor Greg Gasataya formally recognized Opao’s service. In November 2025, the mayor hired him as a regular employee, assigning him the role of Administrative Utility 1 at the CEO.
Opao described this regularization as the greatest gift of his life. He never expected it, having seen many administrations pass without acknowledgement of his contributions. Yet he clarified that even as a job order worker, he had always been content — because what mattered most to him was simply having a job.
The present appointment, however, represented more than a promotion; it was acknowledgment of a lifetime spent giving his best. Witnesses to the moment saw him break into smiles and tears, understanding the depth of his journey and the sacrifices behind it.
Opao’s story is more than a personal triumph; it is a reminder of what true public service looks like. It is measured not by titles or ranks, but by perseverance, integrity, and the willingness to serve people every single day. He embodies the kind of service that stands with others—steadfast, reliable, and rooted in genuine care for the community.
Bacolod now recognizes one of its quiet heroes. In celebrating Opao, the city pays tribute to all workers whose unseen efforts keep Bacolod moving forward. For 42 years he stood for Bacolod. Now, Bacolod proudly stands with him./PN