MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Tumana, Marikina City Captain Akiko Centeno recently took to her Facebook page to share a heartfelt and candid message about the challenges she has faced as a village leader.
The video, recorded from her hospital room just hours before giving birth to her second child, offered a unique glimpse into the personal and political hurdles she has encountered while serving her community.
In her message, Centeno spoke openly about the political dynamics within Marikina City Hall and how they have, at times, complicated her efforts to provide services to her barangay.
One of the incidents she highlighted involved vehicles donated by Rep. Stella Quimbo.
According to Centeno, the vehicles were later repainted with different colors that aligned with the current administration of Mayor Marcy Teodoro.
This change, Centeno said, created some confusion among her constituents, who were unaware of the original source of the donation.
While she acknowledged that the repainting itself might seem like a minor issue, she emphasized that transparency in recognizing the contributions made by various public servants is important to barangay’s residents.
Centeno also recounted an experience involving the KliniQ on Wheels program, an initiative led by Rep. Quimbo, aimed at providing free medical services to senior citizens in Barangay Tumana.
Centeno, wanting to ensure that the program would run smoothly and in coordination with other city efforts, sought the approval of Teodoro before proceeding with the initiative.
Unfortunately, the program was postponed.
Centeno expressed her regret over the delay, noting that her decision to wait for further coordination had resulted in a missed opportunity to serve her constituents.
In hindsight, Centeno expressed her regret for the postponement, stating that she wished the program had been able to provide much-needed medical services to the elderly residents of her barangay.
However, despite this setback, Centeno remained determined to address the needs of her community.
She later supported the implementation of the Kadiwa project, another initiative spearheaded by Quimbo, which brought affordable rice to the residents of Tumana.
Centeno stressed that projects like Kadiwa were crucial during times of economic hardship, as they provided her constituents with access to essential goods amid rising prices. Beyond political dynamics,
Centeno also touched on the financial challenges she has faced as a barangay leader.
She disclosed that there were certain anomalies she had encountered that could have posed risks to the financial health of Barangay Tumana.
To ensure the stability of her barangay, Centeno revealed that she personally shouldered some of the expenses to safeguard its finances.
While she did not go into specific details, Centeno made it clear that her actions were driven by her deep sense of responsibility to her community.
She expressed that, as barangay captain, she could not allow her barangay to fall into financial difficulties, and she took steps to ensure that the community’s welfare remained intact.
Throughout the video, Centeno reiterated her commitment to serving her barangay with integrity and dedication.
She expressed her belief that the role of barangay captain transcends political affiliations, stating, “I am the captain of Barangay Tumana. I am not a captain of a particular political color. I am the mother of Barangay Tumana.”
These words, spoken from the heart, resonated with many of her constituents, who praised her for prioritizing the welfare of her barangay over politics.
Her video, which has since garnered attention from both supporters and community members, has sparked conversations about the importance of focusing on public service and community needs rather than political differences.
Centeno’s message, delivered in the intimate setting of her hospital room, has highlighted her unwavering dedication to her barangay despite the personal challenges she has faced.
As a first-time barangay captain and soon-to-be mother of two, Centeno has shown that leadership is about more than just politics—it is about serving the people, making tough decisions for the greater good, and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
Her commitment to the residents of Barangay Tumana remains her top priority, and her message of unity and service over politics has inspired many within her community.
Her supporters have applauded her for taking the time to address these issues, particularly at such a personal moment in her life.
As she continues her journey as both a leader and a mother, Centeno’s actions and words serve as a reminder that true public service is about putting the community first, regardless of the political challenges that may arise.