Strike as One for Success

CITY OF BACOOR MAYOR STRIKE B. REVILLA REFLECTS ON HIS THREE DECADES OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND REVEALS THE SIMPLE YET COMPELLING REASON BEHIND HIS EFFORTS AS LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE.

If there is one thing that City of Bacoor Mayor Strike Revilla strives to give his constituents, it is quality public service corresponding to the trust that they have placed in their city leaders. “The people put their trust in us to do what needs to be done,” he says, noting in the same breath that “The local government cannot do it alone; we also need their support. The people also need to be involved.”

The above has been the guiding principle that shaped Revilla’s leadership for the past three decades.

Born Edwin M. Bautista, the mayor is more commonly known by his nickname turned legal name, Strike. His distinctive name stems from a rally on the day of his birth that prevented visitors from reaching the hospital where he was born. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Management and a master’s in Business Administration, Revilla initially pursued a private life, managing his family’s businesses in Cavite. However, life had other plans for him as the call to serve the public became too strong to ignore. Driven by his desire to ensure representation for the people of Bacoor, Strike was encouraged by his older brother, Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., to run for office. And it was a decision that ultimately transformed his life. The local chief executive notes that as he became involved in public service, a veteran public servant became his inspiration in rendering quality public service—his father, former Senator Ramon Revilla Sr. “Gusto niya kasi, aksiyon agad. Kapag nangako ‘yon, sumagot sa iyo ng ‘yes,’ kahit saan kayo mapunta, hindi ka niya iiwanan. (He is proactive. When he promises something, when he says ‘yes,’ he will make good of his promise, regardless of where the circumstances take you.) He has word of honor,” he shares about his father. “I want my constituents to feel the same deep sense of honor and commitment, transcending mere politics. We must stand for the greater good, prioritizing what benefits everyone in our community.”

THREE DECADES OF PUBLIC SERVICE

The mayor began his public service career in 1995, having been elected as a municipal councilor for Bacoor at age 25. In 1998, he was elected as a provincial board member representing the 1st District of Cavite, serving two terms until 2004. He then became chief of staff of Senator Bong Revilla before being appointed to the Board of Directors of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2005.

In 2007, Revilla returned to office as mayor of the City of Bacoor. After his third term ended in 2016, he ran and won as congressional representative of the Lone District of Bacoor. He was subsequently elected as Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives. He reclaimed his post as mayor in 2022, securing a decisive victory with a margin of more than 150,000 votes over the other candidate. The mayor attributes his landslide victory to the trust of the people, acknowledging that their confidence in his leadership made it possible. They have seen what he has accomplished and consistently repay him with their confidence whenever he runs for office. He shares that he is not only grateful for this trust but also proactively treasures and uses it to guide his decisions, ensuring that his actions always reflect the people's best interests. “Sinusuklian ko ng sakripisyo para makita nila na nandito ako, hindi yung mayor lang na nakaupo lang dyan. Nag-iisip ako ng paraan para mapagaan ang buhay ng tao. Hindi man ganon kadali… pero kahit papaano, tingin ko, nabibigay naman natin ang kailangan nila. (I sacrifice for my constituents. I don’t want them to see me as a mayor who merely sits behind a desk. I constantly seek out ways to improve their lives and seize opportunities to offer help. It’s not always easy, but I believe we still manage to meet their needs.)”

Looking back, Revilla highlights that his journey from legislator to local chief executive has significantly shaped him into a better public servant and leader. From being a councilor at the time when the Local Government Code of 1991 was introduced, to coming back as city mayor, he shares that every day in the office is a learning experience.

I’M VERY OPEN. I’M NOT THE TYPE TO TELL PEOPLE WHAT TO DO AND EXPECT THEM TO DO IT EXACTLY HOW I WANT THEM TO. I’M ALWAYS OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS OR COMMENTS AND IF I’M WRONG, THEY CAN ALWAYS TELL ME.

STRIKE SA SERBISYO BRAND OF LEADERSHIP

Bacoor, a first-class city in Cavite, serves as the province’s primary link to Metro Manila. According to the 2020 census by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the City of Bacoor’s population stands at 664,625 across 73 barangays, ranking among the three most populous cities in the province. Amidst the City of Bacoor’s growing population and burgeoning economy, Revilla prioritizes ensuring that every citizen feels at home.

The local chief executive launched the “At Home Ka Dito (You’re At Home Here)” tagline to encapsulate his vision. “I want the people to feel safe in Bacoor, just as they do at home, the safest place in the world,” he explains. True to his word, Revilla’s leadership is known for his "Aksyon Agad" stance, providing immediate response to Bacooreños’ concerns. Meanwhile, the "Strike sa Serbisyo" brand of service has created seemingly small but significant ripples in the city by actively involving the community. This approach ensures that residents not only feel safe but also valued and heard in their hometown.

“Ayoko na nung may napapahirapang tao, pero hindi ko kaya mag-isa kaya kailangang alam ng mga tao ang bahaging kailangan nilang gampanan. (I don’t want to give my people a hard time, but I can’t govern alone, that’s why it’s important for the people to be aware of their role in the community.) It’s high time that the people are included in the change process. Actions become easier when done together.” This is the reason behind the STRIKE AS ONE tagline fueling the City of Bacoor’s success. “I am also aware of the importance of providing tools for people to learn and expand their knowledge,” Revilla also adds.

In early 2024, the mayor launched Strike TV, the official TV Channel of Bacooreños. The online platform is used not only to broadcast announcements from the mayor but also projects and programs from various offices of the city government as well as live traffic updates. The local government actively uses social media to promote activities and inform residents, a notable sacrifice for Revilla, who cherishes his private life. Despite this, he prioritizes transparency and communication with the community.

To ensure that the city council understands and supports his vision for the city, Revilla conducts weekly meetings to discuss plans and programs. There is also a dedicated Viber group for barangay officials and representatives aside from the monthly consultation meetings.

“I’m very open. I’m not the type to tell people what to do and expect them to do it exactly how I want them to. I’m always open to suggestions or comments and if I’m wrong, they can always tell me,” he shares.

Involving the people, Revilla shares, is also integral to the disaster preparedness efforts of the city government. The City of Bacoor is a flood-prone area that receives water flowing from Imus and Dasmariñas in Cavite, as well as Muntinlupa and Las Piñas in Metro Manila during heavy rains. To enhance community resilience, individuals applying for a Mayor’s Working Permit are required to complete the Disaster Risk Management Training Seminar conducted by the Bacoor Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BDRRMO). The local government, together with the Bureau of Fire Protection, also constructed the first-ever rescue village in the country, the Strike Fire and Rescue Village. The village serves as the training facility to equip residents—children and adults alike—with basic knowledge and skills in firefighting, emergency medical response, search and rescue, and fire prevention which they can apply in their own homes and schools.

Revilla also shares how the city ordinances reflect how he values people’s lives, saying that “I’m very particular when lives are at stake. Even if it’s just one or two individuals, every life is precious. We must develop fool-proof solutions to prevent life-threatening situations from occurring again.” To address the rising number of accidents related to imbibing alcoholic drinks, the city has strictly enforced a curfew for minors from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. In addition, drinking in public spaces and selling liquor during these hours are prohibited for residents of all ages.

Unlike many politicians, the City of Bacoor’s mayor believes in empowering people and preparing them for the future, even beyond his term, even if it means facing potential backlash. “Sometimes, you have to deal with the fear of potentially angering people [because of your actions]. But for me, I haven’t angered anyone thus far. It’s a risk you have to take,” he adds. His initiatives extend beyond free social services and basic life safety training, reflecting his commitment to enhanced police and barangay enforcement. Recognizing that many residents work in Metro Manila, he prioritizes convenient and accessible transportation. Revilla sees the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 – Cavite Extension as the key solution to this concern. While the project construction is causing heavier traffic and more responsibilities for his team, he notes that it is again one of the sacrifices they have to bear for the future. His office has been actively helping to fast-track the project's completion, recognizing that the LRT is not only a dream for Bacooreños, who wake up at 4 or 5 a.m. to get to work by 7 or 8 a.m., but also for all Caviteños hoping for an easier commute. Revilla is also looking forward to purchasing parcels of land that the local government can use as another source of income. By investing in land, the city government can fund more projects to enhance the services provided to the people. The mayor shared his regret about not acquiring land earlier in his term, as there are fewer available parcels now and prices have significantly increased. However, he remains hopeful as he believes that this investment can create local employment opportunities for residents who are currently working in Metro Manila, thereby boosting Bacoor’s economy and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUCCESS

Revilla’s efforts have received recognition from the national government. In 2023, the City Government of Bacoor received its seventh consecutive Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The award, which is a recognition of the local government’s excellence and good governance, is given by DILG as a symbol of effective and efficient delivery of public services. The City of Bacoor stands out as the sole recipient of this recognition in the entire province of Cavite, beginning with the Seal of Good Housekeeping during the tenure of the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Last December 11, 2023, the City of Bacoor also received the 23rd Gawad KALASAG Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The annual search aims to recognize significant initiatives in the promotion and advancement of disaster risk reduction and management in the country. Despite the remarkable success of his leadership, Revilla has no intention of pursuing a national position. "I have no plans of running even for a provincial position. I don’t want such. I will end my career in Bacoor. I have done my part for 29 years, that’s a long time. Of course, I need time for myself and my family,” he declares. Through his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to service, Revilla has made an indelible mark in the city, ensuring its continued progress and making people remember the Strike Revilla brand of leadership for years to come. “Gusto ko lang namang makapagbigay ng maayos na serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. (I simply want to extend quality public service to the people.) In everything that I do, I always think about what’s best for the people. I base my decisions on the best interests of my constituents,” he ends.

I SIMPLY WANT TO EXTEND QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE. IN EVERYTHING THAT I DO, I ALWAYS THINK ABOUT WHAT’S BEST FOR THE PEOPLE. I BASE MY DECISIONS ON THE BEST INTERESTS OF MY CONSTITUENTS.