How Cong. Rida Is Changing the Face of San Jose del Monte Bulacan | Toni Talks

Summary

The transcript follows Cong. Rida Robes, a dedicated public servant from San Jose del Monte, as she opens up about her personal journey and challenges. From family struggles, including the illness and passing of her mother, to her deep commitment to her constituents, Rida shares her heartfelt experiences. She discusses her transition from a career in hospitality to politics, her passion for helping others, and her efforts to improve her community, including projects like 'Tindahan ni Maria' and the St. Bernadette Maternity Hospital. Despite facing public criticism and personal hardships, Rida remains driven by love, transparency, and a strong sense of duty.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rida Robes' strong family values, especially as the eldest, shape her personal and public life, with a focus on reconciliation and unity within her family.
• 😀 Her journey into public service was deeply influenced by her parents, especially her father's legacy in public service and her early desire to help others, especially the elderly.
• 😀 Despite initially aspiring to be a doctor, Rida took various career paths, including HRM, which led her to work in the airline and hospitality industries before transitioning to public service.
• 😀 Rida's educational background includes prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Wharton, Cambridge, Oxford, and the London School of Economics, highlighting her dedication to personal growth.
• 😀 Rida's commitment to public service began when she married Mayor Arthur Robes, and she continues to support social programs, including those for seniors, people with disabilities, and those in need.
• 😀 The negative perceptions of politicians in the Philippines deeply affect her, but she emphasizes the importance of empathy, transparency, and integrity in her service to others.
• 😀 Rida strongly believes in the power of prayer and faith in guiding her decisions and actions, particularly in moments of personal and professional difficulty.
• 😀 One of Rida's most significant projects is the St. Bernadette Maternity Hospital, which provides free healthcare for mothers, reflecting her deep care for families and communities.
• 😀 'Tindahan ni Maria' is a community project that empowers local store owners by providing capital and support to help them grow their businesses, especially during the pandemic.
• 😀 Despite the public scrutiny and criticism that comes with being a public figure, Rida remains focused on her passion for serving others, particularly through her education initiatives and local development projects.

Q & A

What inspired Cong. Rida Robes to enter public service?

Cong. Rida was inspired by a deep sense of duty to help others, particularly influenced by her early desire to support the elderly. Her family background, with her father's government service and her mother's teachings, also played a key role in shaping her path.

What was one of Cong. Rida Robes' childhood dreams, and why did she not pursue it?

Cong. Rida dreamed of becoming a doctor, but due to her health condition (asthma), she realized it wasn't the right path for her. She later pursued BS Psychology, though she eventually shifted to HRM (Human Resource Management).

How did Cong. Rida Robes' upbringing influence her career in public service?

Cong. Rida's upbringing in a family that valued public service, with her father’s role as a contractor and her grandfather’s government service, set the stage for her own involvement in politics. She was exposed to the importance of serving others from a young age.

How did Cong. Rida Robes handle the emotional challenges of balancing family and public service?

Cong. Rida often struggled with the emotional toll of public scrutiny, especially concerning her family. She dealt with these challenges by maintaining strong boundaries, keeping her private life protected, and focusing on her core values of love, transparency, and empathy in service.

What were some of the most significant emotional moments in Cong. Rida Robes' career?

The most emotional moments for Cong. Rida included the loss of her mother during her campaign and her father's recovery after a severe accident. These experiences deeply shaped her perspective on family, faith, and the importance of public service.

What is Cong. Rida Robes' most proud achievement in her political career?

Cong. Rida is particularly proud of her efforts to improve education in San Jose del Monte, such as increasing the number of national high schools from 2 to 19. She also values the St. Bernadette Maternity Hospital, which provides healthcare to mothers in need.

How does Cong. Rida Robes describe her leadership style and public service approach?

Cong. Rida’s leadership style is centered around sincerity, transparency, and putting love into her work. She strives to serve with empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to help her constituents, despite the challenges and criticisms of politics.

What is the core value Cong. Rida Robes learned from her parents that she continues to live by?

From her father, Cong. Rida learned the importance of gratitude and remembering those who helped you along the way. From her mother, she learned the power of prayer and giving, which has guided her throughout her life and career.

Why did Cong. Rida Robes find her mother's passing so emotionally challenging during her campaign?

Cong. Rida's mother passed away after a long battle in a coma, which was made even more painful due to the negative press and accusations about her during the campaign. However, her mother's passing also brought a sense of family reconciliation, as her siblings came together before her death.

What projects or initiatives has Cong. Rida Robes initiated to help her community?

Cong. Rida initiated several community-focused projects, including 'Tindahan ni Maria,' a program that helps small store owners, the establishment of national high schools, and the St. Bernadette Maternity Hospital to support mothers who cannot afford healthcare.