TODAY, June 28, Greg Gasataya — an ordinary man turned high-profile politico — takes his oath as the new chief executive of Bacolod City.
Greg has already made history as the first member of the Fourth Estate (media) to be popularly elected as mayor of the “City of Smiles.” Expectations are understandably high.
With a long list of pressing problems inherited from his predecessor, now Congressman-elect Albee Benitez — such as flooding, garbage woes, and chaotic traffic — Greg has no choice but to carefully steer the city forward amid public expectations.
The question now: Can Greg satisfy the aspirations of Bacoleños?
Not Fond of Promising
Although he once worked as a broadcaster for Bombo Radyo-Bacolod, Greg — now a seasoned politician — is not one to make grandiose promises of “heaven and earth.”
Above all, one thing is clear: Greg is not hoity-toity.
As an undefeated politico in Bacolod, he has never been accused of peddling exaggerated promises. Instead, he speaks with conviction. Behind every word lies sincerity — a hallmark that has made him more of a performer than a promisor.
Testaments to Greg’s track record include the soon-to-be-completed Bacolod City General Hospital and the now-admired Bacolod-Negros Occidental Economic Highway (BANOCEH).
These landmark infrastructure projects speak volumes about who Greg is as a public servant — decisive, results-oriented, and honest. No more ifs or buts.
A Different Ball Game
However, being mayor is an entirely different ball game compared to serving as a legislator for nine straight years. What makes it even more challenging is that Greg is inheriting many of the unfulfilled promises left behind by Albee — whose term, by many accounts, didn’t go far enough.
But Greg is known for his unshakable resilience, whether facing major challenges or minor ones — even when dealing with critics, known or unknown.
The Test Begins
The real test begins now. As mayor, Greg must face the city’s problems head-on and serve hundreds of thousands of constituents. These are not easy challenges — they span “from womb to tomb.”
But Greg, a former broadcast journalist and a poor boy raised in a market setting, is equipped with the grit and life experience to take them on. His struggles in life have become his greatest strength — equipping him with the mindset and heart needed to provide leadership grounded in reality, compassion, and hands-on service.
In many ways, it is this humble background that may drive him to deliver a kind of leadership that exceeds expectations.
Servant Leadership
So far, signs point to Greg embracing servant leadership in his upcoming administration.
Servant leadership is an approach in which a leader’s primary goal is to serve the people — creating a collaborative and empowering environment. In short: a beautiful synergy.
With Greg, this is not far-fetched. He is a good listener. He has the patience to hear everyone out — whether complaints are relevant or not, helpful or simply noise.
And being a good listener often leads to being a good leader. It’s what has made Greg one of the most effective public servants of his generation.
So let’s be clear: beyond all praises, Greg is destined to offer a unique brand of public service — one anchored on compassion.
In sum, Greg’s battle cry, “Serbisyong May Puso”, may very well turn out to be a far better promise — and reality — than “Change is Coming,” which left many Bacoleños hanging./PN
