Finding Her True Purpose

Politics is in the blood of Mayor Hanna Katrina Andres, the first female and youngest mayor of Rizal, Nueva Ecija. Raised in a political family, with both her grandfather and father having served as mayors, she has been immersed in the political world since childhood. Yet, becoming mayor was never her dream, and she hesitated when her father urged her to take on the role.

FROM HESITATION TO DEDICATION

As an only child, Mayor Trina, as she is known, led a life focused on her own aspirations, free from significant responsibilities. Enjoying a thriving career in an accounting firm in Makati, Metro Manila, she never envisioned returning to her hometown, much less managing the family hardware store. “Selling nails and cement was never my dream job. I wanted a career that is aligned with my education,” reflects the Financial Management graduate. Yet, when her father, then Mayor Lito Andres, urged her to resign and assist him, she couldn’t refuse. Recognizing his need for a trusted ally, she left her corporate job and joined her father at the mayor’s office.

Andres initially expected to handle simple tasks like organizing events. Transitioning from corporate life to public service proved challenging. "In the private sector, I only had to think about myself. I could decide not to work late into the night. In government service, especially in the executive branch, it's a 24-hour job," she explains. One of her early responsibilities was managing ambulance deployments, a daunting task, especially since it was the first time the service was operational. Even while on vacation abroad, she attended to ambulance requests, reflecting her father's administration's focus on social services.

STRENGTH IN ADVERSITY

Winning the 2019 mayoral election unopposed, Andres’ transition into public service seemed effortless. However, the reality of the job tested her personal strength and resilience. Despite her previous experience as her father's secretary and municipal administrator, stepping into the role of chief executive was daunting, especially for a novice. The challenge intensified when her father’s health deteriorated dramatically within the first two weeks of her term, leaving her to manage the municipality with limited guidance.

"It was extremely stressful," Andres recalls. "I wasn’t mature enough to handle everything. I slept in the hospital with my father, working from there. I had to project strength and confidence because people look up to me. Even with personal struggles, I must continue to serve and maintain my duties." Despite the difficulties, she remains grateful for the experience, which molded her into a resilient leader dedicated to serving her community.

Then came another storm: the COVID-19 pandemic which started in 2020. For Andres and other first-time mayors nationwide, the pandemic was an overwhelming challenge. She grappled with finding ways to protect her community, even coming close to administering antigen tests herself due to staff shortages. Nearly everyone, including her and her father, tested positive and were hospitalized.

The most harrowing period was during the Delta variant surge when deaths spiked. The situation became dire, with six individuals dying in a single day. Despite being a hospital patient herself, Andres remained focused on saving lives. "I questioned myself, wondering if I was doing something wrong because people were dying," she reflects. Her vision for 2020 had been that no one in the town should die, and she was determined to maintain that focus, even amid her own personal battle with the virus.

The tragic death of her fiancé in an accident added to Andres's burdens during her first term. Despite these hardships, she remains grateful for the experiences that helped her grow both as a person and a leader. The pandemic, she reflects, showcased the strength of teamwork within the local government unit, enabling them to navigate numerous obstacles. These trying times revealed that she was not alone, as many were ready to help and serve alongside her.

LEADING WITH PURPOSE

Andres believes that everything happens for a reason and purpose. The challenges of her first term have fortified her for her second term. Leading up to the 2022 elections, she faced a year of heavy social media criticism, primarily targeting her age and gender as the youngest and first female mayor of Rizal. Despite some political leaders urging her to step aside for an older candidate, she chose to stay silent and not engage with her detractors.

“I chose not to pay attention to the negative feedback,” she says. “I kept quiet and refrained from responding to critics who questioned my accomplishments and criticized me for being young.” Her perseverance paid off, as she was reelected in 2022. She views her victory as a renewal of the people’s trust and confidence in her leadership, believing it proves the community values her genuine desire to serve and appreciates the services her administration provides. “No matter what others say, if you show you care and earn their trust, they will believe in you.” Andres views her second-term victory as an affirmation of her purpose and mission for Rizal. She believes there's still much she can contribute to her hometown. Although still working with her father as her municipal administrator, she operates independently, not merely following the former mayor's dictates. "I am hands-on and always want to get things done right away," she explains. "My mantra is to do things now rather than wait. I believe in making the most of the three-year term, so if something can be done today, why wait until tomorrow? You never know what the future holds, so if I can do it now, I do it."

Andres also believes that the death of her fiancé may have been part of a larger plan. Had she married, her priorities may have shifted. Although marriage and relationships are not part of her current plans, she remains open to the possibility in the future. For now, her focus is firmly on serving the people of Rizal, driven by a sense of duty to her hometown. “The community comes first,” she asserts. “I’m committed to doing everything I can here.”

COMMITMENT TO PROGRESS

Rizal’s economy is flourishing, and the Andres administration is poised to boost it further through strategic infrastructure projects. Construction is underway for a new government center, Tahanang Rizaleño, designed to improve access to essential services for residents. Meanwhile, the newly built Super Rural Health Unit will enhance healthcare services within the community.

Additionally, the Bulwagan ng Kabataan (Youth Hall) will serve as main venue for upskilling and reskilling the youth, serving as a hub for youth programs and activities. Other ongoing projects include the installation of solar street lights along the national highway to improve safety for both residents and visitors. Various livelihood programs are also in place to promote economic growth and self-sufficiency, while financial support is being provided to college students and teachers pursuing advanced studies to elevate educational standards. The mayor recognizes that, like many local chief executives, she faces challenges in funding programs and projects. However, she is determined not to let these financial constraints hinder her commitment to the people of Rizal. Her administration focuses on leveraging internal resources to support essential programs, particularly in social services. They also actively seek partnerships with the private sector to secure additional support without relying on local funds. This strategic approach enables them to continue delivering vital services and fostering Rizal’s growth and development, despite financial limitations.

Reflecting her administration's commitment to social services, the Lingap sa Barangay program holds a special place in Andres’s heart. Launched in 2013 during her father’s tenure, this initiative has proven so effective that it has been adopted by other local government units. The program brings essential municipal services directly to the communities, partnering with doctors, lawyers, and non-government organizations to provide free healthcare services, legal advice, and more.

During the pandemic, Lingap sa Barangay demonstrated its resilience by delivering five waves of relief goods to every home and supplying medical and healthcare items to families affected by COVID-19. The program continues to evolve, focusing on promoting positive mental health, proper nutrition, and overall well-being through various community activities.

A LEGACY OF PURPOSE

Andres starts each day with a smile, believing that true happiness must come from within. To greet the day positively, she begins with a moment of prayer, considering her smile an informal prayer. "It's like a child asking their dad to ease their pain," she explains. This ritual gives her the strength to face the inevitable stresses and challenges of her role. To relieve stress, she enjoys practical shooting and editing posts for her social media page. She takes a hands-on approach to her online presence, using it to stay connected with her constituents. This engagement allows her to stay informed about their lives and foster productive conversations, providing her with a deep sense of fulfillment.

The local chief executive acknowledges a distinct difference in leadership style between herself and her father. While his approach is more measured, she operates with a fast-paced style, eager to act on any viable idea immediately. Her sense of urgency stems from a belief in making the most of her limited time in office. Despite these stylistic differences, both share a common mission as public servants dedicated to their municipality. Continuing the legacy of "Tuloy ang Asenso sa Lubusang Asikaso" (Continuous Progress through Thorough Care) initiated by her father, Andres aims to leave her own mark on the community. Fully aware of the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous nature of politics, she remains focused on her goal: to give her best for her constituents and create a lasting impact. Despite the numerous challenges, the mayor has no regrets about leaving her corporate job. She recalls the doubts and fears she faced before resigning, but her father's reassurance provided comfort. He told her, "Anak, you need to understand that public service is a rare opportunity. It’s a chance to help change and uplift the lives of our fellow citizens. This path may not be easy, but it will be rewarding, not through material gains, but by guiding you towards your true purpose." And after a few years, Mayor Hanna Katrina Andres can now say it is true. This is her calling. This is her purpose.