Upholding People-centric Leadership
With his 15 years of public service experience, Congressman Dale
“Along” Malapitan continues to uphold the family name, ensuring
that they are approachable and willing to help.
BY ROSY MINA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA JR.
Aregular Thursday at the Malapitan household in Caloocan is unusual for most—with the home bustling with strangers from all walks of life, bringing forth their concern to Mayor Oca and his son, incumbent 1st District Congressman Dale “Along” Malapitan.
“Labas-pasok sa bahay namin kaya madidinig mo ‘yung mga problema, at kung paano niya sinosolusyunan (They go in and out of the house you get to hear their problems, and how we find solutions to them),” mayoral candidate Along Malapitan tells LEAGUE.
The weekly event is dubbed “People’s Day,” which was initiated to reach out to more constituents and provide ways to alleviate their situation.
It is also a gesture to express that their surname means business—
with “malapitan” meaning “to get close to” or “easily approachable” in
Filipino.
Through this, Malapitan saw the needs of the people of Caloocan, and wanted to help address them, too.
On top of giving assistance, Malapitan sought to provide solutions in his 15-year political career that began with him being elected as barangay chairperson, then city councilor, Liga ng mga Barangay
president, and eventually, congressman.
“Enjoy kasi ako sa public service. Mismo na pagtulong eh so andun ‘yun, pasok siya sa pagiging barangay chairperson, pasok din siya sa pagiging congressman (I enjoy public service. Helping is integral to the job, whether you are a barangay chairperson or a congressman).”
He has many memorable moments in his political career, but considers the first bill that he passed as the best so far.
“That was when I upgraded the bed capacity of Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital from 200 beds to 800 beds. And then from tertiary hospital, it became a medical center.”
His other legislative accomplishments include the house bills on the establishment of the 3rd District of Caloocan, magna carta for BPO workers act, creating eight additional regional trial court branches in Caloocan City, and providing poor job applicants 20 percent discount on payments for government certificates and clearances.
