For its 16th founding anniversary, Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership unveiled a new batch of its Champions of Good Governance on Thursday, recognizing their commitment to transparency, accountability, and genuine public service to their communities.
The new Kaya Natin Champions are the following: Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City; Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig City; Mayor Trina Firmalo-Fabic of Odiongan, Romblon; Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. of Iloilo; and Provincial Board Member Kerby Salazar of Cavite.
Former Senator Bam Aquino, the chairperson of Kaya Natin, welcomed the new champions of the movement as he drew parallels to the courage and sacrifice shown by former Senator Ninoy Aquino.
“I think our Kaya Natin Champions are champions because of the everyday brave decisions that they make for themselves, for the people they love, for the people they serve, and for our beloved country,” Aquino said.
“Kayo ang nagbibigay pag-asa sa amin,” he added.
In her inspirational speech, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte shared her journey as a longtime champion of good governance, persevering amid the challenges in navigating politics and bureaucracy.
“In sharing our journey with them, I want to show the possibilities that unfold when you decide to give the best service to your fellow men,” Belmonte said.
“Together let us keep pushing to make good governance the norm… Let us empower each Filipino to demand the best from their government, and inspire our fellow public servants to respond to this call,” she added.
Kaya Natin began the search for its new champions last June by calling for nominations, onboarding the selection committee, deliberation, and data validation, and final deliberations happened in the last week of July.
The movement’s search for new good governance champions aims to continue and expand its mission of promoting genuine public service and people-centered governance in more cities and municipalities. Additionally, Kaya Natin aims to forge partnerships with the local government units to improve their constituents’ quality of life.
Since its founding in 2008, Kaya Natin has conferred 60 individuals as its champions, including its co-founders, the late DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo and former Pampanga Gov. Among Ed Panlilio, Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro, Mayor Sitti Hataman of Isabela City, Basilan, former Mayor Mary Jane Ortega of City of San Fernando, La Union, and former Dinagat Islands Gov. Arlene Bag-ao.