A JOURNEY TO AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP

Condensed by Amyjay M. Riconalla

“I didn’t set out to be a leader; I aspired to make a difference.” –Gen. Benjamin B. Magalong PNP (Ret)

It was during FOCIG’s 2^nd Leadership and Ugnayan Webinar last May 23, 2023, when Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong expounded on integrity as he shared his journey toward Authentic Leadership.

            Although 482 people had registered for this webinar, only 342 logged in. Nonetheless, it was a good number to plant his precious lessons and leadership principles to inspire and challenge us to make a difference.

            Ruled by the honor system of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), it was there that the roots of public service grew in his heart and mind. “So, when I graduated from the PMA in March 1982, a new and different Benjie Magalong emerged from the gates of the PMA.”

            In all the positions he held in the PNP from 2007 to 2015, he resolved to serve with honor and uncompromising integrity; to persevere and thrive on adversity. Eventually, he discovered that authentic leadership requires self-discovery, self-awareness, and feedback solicitation.

            Self-discovery and self-awareness gave him a deeper understanding of his work attitude. As he aspired to become a good leader, he saw the impact it played in all his relationships. He humbly acknowledged that he lacked the ability to earn relational rapport.  He also learned that being approachable meant being able to lead and engage people effectively; to inspire and motivate them. “To inspire, we need to highlight the good in others rather than being a faultfinder. It’s important to instill a sense of personal accountability in fellow public servants; help them fulfill their potential as much as I wanted to fulfill mine; and, to be involved and to make a positive contribution.”

            Mayor Benjie’s battle cry, “Good Governance Beyond Politics” is anchored on doing the right thing in the right possible way. The bottom line is always integrity. It is a commitment to produce a different kind of governance, one that the people have long clamored for.

            “Good Governance Beyond Politics” is a politics of hope, and not of frustration; not a politics of hate, but a politics of goodwill and mutual understanding; not a politics of criticism, but a politics of encouragement; not a politics of lies; but a politics of truth.

            A dire test of his integrity was whether he would tell the truth in his Mamasapano Report, where 44 members of the Special Action Force were killed in a clash with MILF fighters in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Was the chain of command violated? Behind the scenes, he was asked to lie but he told the truth. And though this truth had set millions of minds free, it did cost him a gilded promotion before he retired from the PNP.

            So, what is Authentic Leadership? Mayor Benjie declared, “It is when we lead with a servant’s heart; to serve with compassion, humility, fairness, and purity of intention.”

Flashed on his PowerPoint presentation to end his message were these words:

            “I am proud to have been built by humility, sacrifice, and daily prayer.

              I was and still am, a servant leader eager to make a difference.

              I will continue, in whatever capacity, to serve our government and our people.”

            And, if I may add, “All for the glory of God!”

Special Note: Mayor Benjie had graciously allowed FOCIG to disseminate his message. If you want a soft copy of Mayor Benjie Magalong’s PowerPoint presentation, please send a request to Ms. Violy Obnial [fociginc@gmail.com], with your full name, mobile number, and email address. Thanks and God bless you!