The Art of Balanced Leadership

FORT BONIFACIO TAGUIG BARANGAY CHAIRMAN JORGE DANIEL SISON BOCOBO LEADS WITH BALANCE, MANAGING GOVERNANCE, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE. FROM DIGITAL MODERNIZATION TO ADVOCATING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, HE CHAMPIONS INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP IN ONE OF METRO MANILA’S MOST DYNAMIC DISTRICTS.

For Fort Bonifacio Taguig Barangay Chairman Jorge Daniel Sison Bocobo, mornings begin without the usual breakfast ritual. Instead, he dives straight into a full day of public service, navigating meetings, administrative duties, and the many responsibilities that come with leading his community. While governance demands much of his time, Bocobo remains steadfast in his commitment to balance, both in work and in life.

As punong barangay (barangay chairman), balance is at the core of his leadership philosophy. This principle extends beyond his public service, as seen in his dedication to his wife, Chi, and their son, Sancho. “One thing we hold sacred is family time—spending quality moments with my wife and my 15-year-old son Sancho,” he shares. “I have been serving the people of Barangay Fort Bonifacio and Taguig but there are also days that I have to be present for church activities, as I am actively involved in our Catholic charismatic community.”

Juggling multiple responsibilities is no easy feat, but Bocobo believes that effective time management and clear priorities are key. “It is tough, no doubt. But at the end of the day, you have to focus on what truly matters and make sure you follow through.”

BIG SHOES TO FILL

The community leader’s dedication to purpose and philosophy may stem from his great-grandfather, Jorge Bocobo, a Filipino writer and social thinker who played a pivotal role during the Commonwealth period and the Japanese Occupation.The elder Bocobo not only translated the English editions of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, making José Rizal’s seminal works accessible to a broader audience, but also served with distinction as President of the University of the Philippines, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and Secretary of Public Instruction, now known as the Department of Education (DepEd).

With such a legacy to uphold, the weight of expectation, though unspoken, was ever-present throughout Bocobo’s childhood. “I’ve got big shoes to fill,” he admits. “It’s a prestigious name, something I have to live up to. There’s a bit of pressure, especially when I went to UP (the University of the Philippines)—people would ask, ‘Are you related?’ Even now, I still get that. But I think it’s also what inspires me to do better in my work. We have to protect the name.”

With such a distinguished lineage, one might assume that Bocobo’s childhood was marked by privilege and prestige. However, he describes it differently: his upbringing was comfortable rather than extravagant.

His family name carried weight in every institution he attended, starting with De La Salle Santiago Zóbel School in Alabang, Muntinlupa. From an early age, Bocobo was exposed to public service, often assisting his father, a member of the esteemed Laurel clan of the Philippines, during campaigns. He recalls attending rallies and distributing leaflets when his father ran for governor. Yet, despite his exposure to politics, a career in public service was never part of his plan.

“I would hand out flyers and was always in awe of political life,” he shares. “But my focus was on my studies. I never really considered becoming a public servant. My passion was football. I was a varsity scholar for the UP football team, and that was where my dedication lay, not in politics.”

FINDING HIS CALLING

Before becoming barangay chairman, Bocobo’s journey in local politics began in 1992 when he was elected as a Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) representative in Barangay Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa. By 1998, he had joined the legislative staff of Congressman Herminio Teves, later moving on to serve as chief of staff for Muntinlupa Councilor Rene Carl Cayetano in 2001.

THOUGH POLITICS WAS NOT PART OF BOCOBO’S ORIGINAL PLAN, IT IS CLEAR THAT HIS HEART WAS ALWAYS DRAWN TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY. FINDING HIS CALLING

Bocobo’s experience in governance deepened when he transitioned to the congressional level, working as a political affairs officer in Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s office from 2005 to 2010. He then took on key administrative roles, serving as barangay administrator of Fort Bonifacio and later as head of the City Economic and Investment Promotions Office for Taguig from 2010 to 2013 and 2013 to 2017, respectively. His expertise eventually led him to the national stage, where he served as a senior foreign affairs adviser at the Department of Foreign Affairs from 2017 to 2018.

Despite his initial aspirations of becoming an athlete, Bocobo’s path seemed destined for public service. In 2018, he ran for and won the position of punong barangay of Fort Bonifacio, further cementing his leadership by becoming the Liga ng mga Barangay (League of Barangays) president for Taguig.

A BALANCING ACT

As leader not only of Fort Bonifacio but of the city's punong barangays, Bocobo remains deeply attuned to local issues, ensuring that concerns are addressed from the ground up. One of the most significant developments under his watch came on April 27, 2022, when the Supreme Court issued a final ruling solidifying Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and the surrounding areas as part of Taguig. This decision, which upheld the 1994 writ of preliminary injunction, not only affirmed Taguig’s jurisdiction over BGC but also led to the city’s absorption of 10 barangays previously governed by Makati.

“Bonifacio Global City, under Fort Bonifacio, generates about 80 to 85 percent of Taguig’s income. If Makati won, they would have gotten BGC,” Bocobo shares.

 As per the Supreme Court decision, legally and historically, the contested areas are under the jurisdiction of Taguig. As a result, jurisdiction over Barangays Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, Pitogo, Northside, Southside, and Rizal was officially transferred to the Taguig City government. This shift in territorial governance brought about substantial administrative changes, requiring careful planning and leadership. From Bocobo’s perspective, overseeing this major transition requires a delicate balancing act. Ensuring that the newly integrated barangays receive equitable attention and resources while maintaining the efficiency of Taguig City.

 Integrating Taguig’s programs into the newly absorbed barangays has been a complex process, but progress is steadily taking shape. Initially, residents compared their previous experiences under the Makati local government, expressing concerns about whether Taguig could meet or exceed those standards. However, as time has passed, many have begun to see and feel the benefits of the transition. While certain areas still require improvement, Taguig has demonstrated a strong commitment to learning and adaptation. The City does not only innovate new programs but also adopts best practices from other local government units but also refines and enhances these to better serve communities. “At first, there was a tendency to compare, thinking things were better in Makati or uncertain about what Taguig could offer. But the reality is, many may not yet realize that our programs are on par, if not better, in certain aspects. Of course, there are areas where we still need to catch up, but Taguig is a city that is always eager to learn. If we see effective initiatives from other cities, we don’t just adopt them, we study, refine, and improve upon them,” Bocobo says.

He credits Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano as a source of inspiration, recognizing her visionary leadership as a driving force behind the city's transformation into what it is today. “It hasn't even been two years, but the people in the embo barangays are starting to experience the brand of service that Taguig brings; "I Love Taguig" is not just a slogan, it's something that we truly live by.”

BALANCING PROGRESS

Fort Bonifacio, particularly BGC, has established itself as a world-class urban hub, attracting foreign investors, expatriates, and multinational corporations. While this economic boom has significantly contributed to the growth of both the barangay and Taguig City, it has also sparked concerns about the widening economic divide. The rapid pace of development, coupled with business friendly policies, has driven real estate prices to unprecedented heights, making Fort Bonifacio home to predominantly expatriates and the upper class.

Beyond the soaring property values, transportation remains a pressing issue. Although various modes of transport are available, the increasing traffic congestion and limited public transit options have made commuting in and out of the central business district increasingly difficult for employees and residents alike.

Recognizing these challenges, Bocobo emphasizes that his leadership team actively collaborates with national agencies and local government officials to implement policies that  foster balance and order for all stakeholders. “It’s really about fostering a harmonious relationship that promotes peace and order, as well as managing key concerns like traffic, though congestion has been a challenge lately. More importantly, Taguig has always been a business friendly city. We value our stakeholders and ensure that the taxes collected are used properly, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable growth and development,” he stresses.

IT HASN'T EVEN BEEN TWO YEARS, BUT THE PEOPLE IN THE EMBO BARANGAYS ARE STARTING TO EXPERIENCE THE BRAND OF SERVICE THAT TAGUIG BRINGS; "I LOVE TAGUIG" IS NOT JUST A SLOGAN, IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE TRULY LIVE BY. EVEN OUR TEAM PERSONALLY GOES DOWN TO THESE COMMUNITIES, NOT JUST TO LISTEN BUT TO ACT. WE SEE WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE AND WE MAKE IT HAPPEN.

 One of the most significant advancements in Fort Bonifacio’s governance has been the digitization of government services, making it one of the first barangays to implement an online system for permits and clearances. This initiative has streamlined administrative processes, allowing residents and business owners to apply and receive their documents within a day or two through a fully digital platform.

Bocobo highlights the impact of this initiative, emphasizing the barangay’s role as a pioneer in digital governance. “Fort Bonifacio was among the first barangays to digitize the processing of permits and clearances. Residents and business owners can now apply online and receive their documents without need for multiple visits to the office,” he says. “We partnered with a system provider early on and have continuously refined the platform to improve efficiency. While many still prefer handling transactions in person, we have ensured that an online option is available for those who want a faster, more convenient process.”

 Beyond digitizing government services, Bocobo is also focused on enhancing social services, expanding urban gardening initiatives, ensuring sustainable healthcare programs, and increasing livelihood opportunities by generating more jobs for constituents. Among his key efforts to create a more inclusive community are pocket parks and the Relief Urban Gardens, projects that aim to foster greener, more accessible spaces for residents.

 However, among all his priorities, Bocobo is most passionate about advocating for persons with disabilities (PWDs), striving to improve their access to the city’s growing developments. This cause is deeply personal to him, as he has firsthand experience caring for a PWD—his son lives with an incurable chronic condition.

 “There is a need for stronger representation, possibly an additional legislative district, since we have added a significant number in our population. This will ensure that our programs and advocacies specially those for PWDs will be properly addressed.” Bocobo shares. “Accessibility remains a major issue as some buildings may look modern and impressive, but for someone in a wheelchair, these can be difficult to navigate. We need to ensure that all roads and structures comply with existing accessibility laws and that our country truly becomes inclusive for everyone.”

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Christ-centered values and servant leadership form the foundation of Bocobo’s approach to governance. He firmly believes in the inherent goodness of people and that when a leader leads with integrity and kindness, the community will reflect the same virtues. His leadership is deeply rooted in his faith, seeing his service as both a duty to his constituents and a commitment to God. These ideas are expected to remain as his guide if given the chance to serve as congressman of the Second District of Taguig.

“For me, as long as I am able to serve the Lord, my family, and my community, that is what matters most,” Bocobo shares. “Public service is not just a responsibility; it’s my passion. I have been called to serve, and I embrace that calling wholeheartedly. Before anything else, there is the Lord, my family, and then my constituents. That’s the order of my priorities, and it guides everything I do.”