Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade is one of the original members of the Duterte Cabinet since 2016.
Tugade accepted the government post five years ago in the hopes of serving and improving the lives of the people.
In a recent Facebook post, he opened up about joining public service and the legacy he wanted to leave behind.
The San Beda-educated lawyer never intended to gain power, wealth and influence. For Tugade, public service is a “commitment, a covenant, and an ultimate sacrifice.”
“I am here not because I want to attain more in wealth or power or influence. I am here because I want to serve, and to help improve the lives of the Filipino people,” he said.
“We are here toiling and ensuring that we are able to deliver our promise of a better Philippines, because at the end of the day, THIS IS AN ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT NO MATERIAL WEALTH CAN EVER EQUAL,” he said.
Tugade is determined to fulfill his mission to upgrade the country’s transport network for safe and reliable movement of people and goods.
“Because when I see our people riding our new trains or buses, or comfortably waiting in our new airport or seaport, or biking or driving worry-free in safer roads, or when I envision how it will be for our commuters to enjoy our new MRTs, LRTs, Subways and long haul train systems, these are what will complete me as a Filipino,” he said.
“Working for the welfare of future generations should be the better cycle of our lives. This is the LEGACY that I want to leave behind,” he said.
Before joining the Duterte Cabinet in 2016, Tugade previously led by the Clark Development Corporation. Born in Cagayan, he is also known a prominent businessman. He was a classmate of President Duterte at the San Beda College of Law.
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