IN June, I had a long hiatus from writing my Sunday column because there were other commitments that must be fulfilled. It was good to take a break, after that anxiety-raising and tension-filled national elections in May. It was very challenging to stay as calm as possible when I related with friends, neighbors and relatives whose political views were different from mine to avoid losing their friendship and trust. I kept reminding myself and others in my circle that the elections were not worth losing our friends and loved ones — because politicians who won or lost in the electoral races, will not remember most of us. They are grateful alright, but they will not recall all those who were out campaigning and risking their lives in bad weather, road mishaps and the continuing pandemic. Enough about the elections — the majority has chosen, and many of us have witnessed last Thursday's proper turnover of responsibility by the popular outgoing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD), to President Bongbong Marcos (PBBM), our new head of state. The latter gave an upbeat speech during his inauguration about what to expect from his leadership. He amplified his campaign message of unity with a clear agenda for action. He has also chosen impressive men and women for his Cabinet. I am looking forward to a compassionate, responsive, efficient and effective governance in the next six years, akin or even better than PRRD's leadership.

It was a great relief for many people, especially among Davaoeños, to see that PRRD, the first president from Mindanao, has survived his six-year term and has returned to his hometown as 'Citizen Digong.' Based on his consistent high approval ratings in sample surveys that were conducted by different nongovernment research agencies, PRRD has passed his stint as the head of state, with flying colors. He is the only president who has not waned in popularity since he became the nation's leader until his exit. Most Davaoeños are proud about his long list of achievements in the short period that he led the country. He managed many crises well including the most difficult ones like the Marawi terrorists' siege (which forced him to place Mindanao under martial law for 31 months) and the pandemic Covid-19. His administration's Build, Build, Build program has improved the Philippines' infrastructure and landscape, including the unthinkable train and monorail in Davao. To Mindanaoans, the signing of the Basic Organic Law of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and the subsequent support extended to the BARMM's transition government, will finally bring long-lasting peace to the island, after several decades of armed struggle between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the State.