He wanted to help his town and he felt that there was nothing more rewarding than serving his own people. The boy realized his dream. Jose M. Ricafrente Jr. became mayor of the Municipal Government of Rosario, Cavite and has etched his name not only in the place’s history but in the hearts of its citizens.

In the municipality of Rosario in Cavite was a boy who dreamt nothing but to be a Punong Lingkod Bayan. He wanted to help his town and he felt that there was nothing more rewarding than serving his own people. The boy realized his dream. Jose M. Ricafrente Jr. became mayor of the Municipal Government of Rosario, Cavite and has etched his name not only in the place’s history but in the hearts of its citizens.

Mayor Ricafrente joins the roster of CSC Pagasa awardees. He says that he just did his duties as a Mayor who wants right service for his people. Every step of the way, he keeps this working principle in mind: Kapag ang tao ay dumulog sa akin at umiiyak, gusto ko paglabas niya sa aking tanggapan o tahanan ay nakangiti na siya. This is the reason why people in Rosario do not hesitate to seek help from Mayor Ricafrente, or Mayor Nonong. “6:00 a.m. pa lang ng umaga, inaantay ko na ang kanilang pagdating mula Lunes hanggang Linggo, Mahal na Araw man o Pasko o Bagong Taon,” said Mayor.

Guided by this principle, Mayor Nonong planned for the development of the municipality. He started by rehabilitating the municipality’s marine resources and effecting coral reforestation. The devastated condition of marine resources in Rosario did not deter him from his firm resolve in bringing it back to life. He mirrored the fervent hopes of the fisher folks in Rosario whom he ceaselessly sought support in reviving the marine life. And after more than a year of waiting in patience and perseverance, all efforts paid off: the “Reeforestation” project proved to be effective in growing soft coral and algae, bringing more fish and water resources in Rosario.

Mayor Nonong’s drive in developing the natural resources of Rosario became more intense. His next target: to transform the once dumping site into a public beach. – La Isla Bonita Salinas or popularly known as Isla Bonita. It did not become a smooth road for him. However, the more problems he encountered, the more tenacious he became. Today, La Isla Bonita Salinas or Isla Bonita stands where there was once a garbage heap. The victories pushed him to execute bigger projects – the “land for the landless” program, the Rosario water system, and the Rosario Lying In Clinic.

These efforts positively affected Rosario in ways that no one ever imagined. As he performed his tasks, it dawned on him that he possessed a unique trait: extraordinary patience. “Masyadong mahaba ang aking pasensya na hindi taglay ng pangkaraniwang pinuno. Matiyaga ako sa pakikinig ng mga hinaing ng aking mga kababayan,” declared Mayor Nonong.

Indeed, Mayor’s big heart for public service enabled him to transform Rosario. He proved that selflessness leads to breakthrough contributions that can spell better lives for the people. He prays that the transformation Rosario underwent will also happen to our country.