DILG bids farewell to its ‘humble,’ ‘quiet’ leader Cuy

Outgoing DILG officer in charge Catalino Cuy (middle) turns over post to new DILG OIC and former AFP chief of staff Eduardo Año. Photo by Julliane Love de Jesus/INQUIRER.net

Employees of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) bade farewell to its officer in charge for 10 months, Catalino Cuy, as he hands over the post to incoming DILG head, former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Eduardo Año.

During the turnover ceremony at the DILG-National Police Commission (Napolcom) Center on Tuesday, some DILG personnel gave their testimonies about Cuy’s “silent leadership.”

President Duterte had tapped Cuy, a former police director, to take over the leadership of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

In a brief speech, DILG Assistant Secretary for communications and capacity development Jonathan Malaya said serving under Cuy was an “honor” as he described the official as a “quiet, professional and generous” leader.

“If there’s one thing that sets you apart from others, it’s humility that sets you apart, you’re the epitome of a quiet leadership—it’s a leadership na hindi sumisigaw (that doesn’t shout), a leadership that’s low-profile but very effective,” Malaya said.

“We’re sure that you’ll lead DDB to a greater heights,” he said.

DILG Calabarzon Regional Director Manuel Gotis, meanwhile, said Cuy was a man of few words, but his decisions have always been “firm and swift.”

“Siya ‘yung officer na handang magkamali basta may decision (He’s the kind of officer who is ready to make a mistake just as long as there is a decision),” Gotis said.

Gotis said the DDB would be “very lucky” to have Cuy in the agency.

“With your leadership, magiging maayos at matutulungan natin ang kagalang-galang na Pangulo para ma-address ang problema sa droga (it will run smoothly and we can help the President to address the drug problem),” he said.

The turnover ceremony is still ongoing as of posting time. /je