DOCTORS are winners.
In this time of pandemic, they may seem to have lost in some ways like time for family, time for professional growth, or personal or “me” times. “No time for love, too” is what I hear from some medical workers as they battle against the global scourge.
Doctors have been and will always be at the frontlines, risking their lives to save others. The battles are not that easy for them. But they will always emerge victoriously.
Mabalacat was a witness and a beneficiary to successful stints of doctors who turned out to be outstanding politicians as well. They include the late Mayor Catalino Domingo, Councilor Bienvenido Paras, Dr. Pros Lagman, to name a few.
+++++
Currently, Dr. Victor “Cocoy” D. Tiglao II of Mabalacat City, a re-electionist councilor, is fast taking their mold, delivering not just his medical expertise but also compassion, sincerity and above all – integrity.
He made it as Councilor in his very first try for an elective position in 2019. Sadly, this kind of success eluded his father and sister when they ran for public office years before.
Cocoy is both street-smart and was a regular habitué of streets of Barangay San Joaquin in his youth days. Even with his family’s lofty place in the society, Cocoy is a humble man, soft spoken, di makabasag pinggan. He mingled (tambay in local parlance), proving how easy he was to get along with. So down to earth. Walang ere.
When I first learned that he was being groomed by Mayor Cris Garbo to be in his team about four years ago, my first thought was, without a doubt, he would win. Win he did, placing fifth in the 10 new members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
His very first term that started in 2019 was filled with challenges poised by the impact of Covid. While technically he is an anesthesiologist, many people would still look up to him as a general practitioner. Thus, consults here and there, in and out of the city hall had to be made. And he did not mind giving free services, free consults, bringing even some of his doctor colleagues to the city to help out in the name of public service in Mabalacat. He did not mind shelling out from his personal pockets too when people seeking him for consults lacked money for medicines.
With only less than a year after winning came the pandemic where every doctor’s mettle would be tested. Especially so if one is in a public post like Doc Cocoy.
In short, his honeymoon period with the post was cut short as the pandemic also tested his dedication and commitment.
Not only did he contend with the demands of his job as a doctor, the entire landscape of public service changed. He had to become a lot, even more than just a doctor-councilor.
More than just crafting ordinances and resolutions in the City Council, he also doubled up as a social worker, a relief giver, community pantry organizer – all that was needed to become just to stem the tide brought by the pandemic. I heard he became a driver too for many patients on emergency cases.
+++++
Fast forward two years after, I would say that Doc Cocoy passed his neophyte term with flying colors.
He set out to a journey that is expected of him – help bring comfort, aid, and even hope to those who needed medical attention. And it is no less the people he has been helping that are the marking milestones in his journey.
Here are but some of them as culled from Facebook:
JENNYLYN SAMSON. Maraming salamat po councilor”doc”cocoy tiglao sa mga medicine supplies na ipinag kaloob ninyo para sa aming mga positive patients dito sa san joaquin…Pati po sa mga oximeters na aming magagamit sa pagmonitor sa aming mga positive patients..God bless po…
ZUSET BONDOC. How can you possibly turn your back to this man? He is a God-fearing and obedient follower of God, a respectable family man, a great calibre in the field of medicine and one of the best public servants in the history of Mabalacat City…
Mabalaqueños are very proud and thankful for having you, OUR DEAREST CITY COUNCILOR DOC COCOY TIGLAO
And yeah, may DOC COCOY kana…may COUNCILOR kapa!
These are but a miniscule part of the many positive comments in social media about him, his persona, his dedication, his chosen public life, his destiny.
Doc Cocoy is a sure winner.
Here is a glimpse into comments on Doc Cocoy, how people mark his journey with milestones by expressing gratitude. (Credits to FB account owners as listed):
