The life of a public leader has its ups and downs, depending on the public’s demands and response to the efforts of those in office. But one thing’s sure–it takes much gusto from an individual to appreciate the platform of a public leader to bring the anticipated change in society.
Fortunately for the residents of Makati’s second district, their congressman, Luis N. Campos Jr., is brimming with enthusiasm to be the man who inspires change and advocates for their well-being.
Campos began as a businessman but always remembered his childhood dream of becoming a congressman. As fate would have it, the boy from Dasmariñas, Cavite, eventually made his aspiration come true.
He succeeded his wife, incumbent Makati Mayor Abby Binay, who served as congresswoman from 2007 to 2016. Campos supported her during her three terms in Congress, even sharing that he inspired her to run for the position. In turn, he played his part by being the person Makatizens could talk to as he went around the district to get to know the area and its residents better.
The couple worked like a well-oiled machine, with Binay working on the executive side, thanks to her detail-orientedness, and Campos as the man on the streets.
“That translates into a good partnership. It’s always been like that with us. I get a feel of the ground kasi I’m a grassroots politician,” Campos told Manila Standard LGU.
Campos has since become a familiar face in Makati’s Second District thanks to connections he established with its residents. The experience also helped him define his brand of public service while establishing meaningful relationships with the public.
“I made so many friends. It gave me a chance to help out. You feel the love and the camaraderie,” he said.
Eventually, the power couple systematized a lot in the district, with Binay implementing numerous programs while exercising her political will. They also practice fair leadership, eliminating any biases in their respective administrations while focusing on providing the services needed to ensure their constituents lead better lives.
Moreover, Campos appreciates loyalty, capability, enthusiasm, and foresight as necessary values to support his initiatives as a public leader. After all, as a representative of the highly urbanized country’s financial hub, he has to instigate or join any initiatives that allow Makati to be a pioneering city that offers world-class services.
Campos assumed a seat in Congress in 2016, still following the initiatives he started with Binay, as he’s a firm believer in continuity, particularly how good and beneficial measures should be maintained in society while improving those that have yet to achieve their maximum potential.
As Congressman, Campos has various advocacies, including women empowerment and youth development, among other sectors. But the one sector he’s focusing more on is sustainability.
“I’m pushing that the government can make a study of the Laguna Lake to legislate and repurpose it into a freshwater source for the metropolitan area,” he said.
He filed HR01084, or a resolution directing the Committee on Ecology to consider using Laguna Lake as an alternate source of potable water to support Angat Dam.
Despite his continuous push for the development, Campos clarified that he’s not seeking immediate action to repurpose Laguna Lake. Instead, he hopes it’ll nudge Filipinos in the right direction to see what other opportunities they can achieve from this change.
The Makati Representative understands that radical ideas and changes like these often face resistance. Nonetheless, he welcomes challenges if it means becoming the catalyst that would start a more progressive perspective of things.
On the other hand, he is the principal author of 70 bills submitted to the House of Representatives. He is also pushing for high-speed internet services and the construction of digital infrastructures to meet the demands of modern Filipinos.
As he nears the end of his term in Congress, it’s evident that Campos is far from finished in his public service duties.
Certainly, Campos’s passion for public service is there and vigorously burning as he eyes progressive change for his constituents. And that’s the thing about the Makati representative. He sees the people as a constant rather than a variable in being a successful leader, which makes him well-loved in his district, further solidifying the hard work he put into being their champion.