MENTORSHIP. Senators Robin Padilla (left) and Loren Legarda share their discussions through a Facebook live on Wednesday (July 6, 2022) while at The Manila Polo Club in Makati City. Legarda, a veteran senator, vowed to mentor Padilla as he takes his first term in the Senate. (Screenshot from Robin Padilla Facebook Page)
MANILA – Senators Robin Padilla and Loren Legarda shared on Wednesday a part of their discussion during their meeting at The Manila Polo Club in Makati City through a Facebook live posted by the former.
Legarda, a veteran senator, showed the book titled, "The Rules of the Senate," saying they both have to memorize every line of it.
"Gustung-gusto ko ito. Ako ay parang likas na teacher. Matagal ko nang kaibigan si Senator Robin. Hinahangaan ko siya at kaibigan ko at natutuwa ako sa maraming mga pinagusapan. (I really want this. I am like a natural teacher. Senator Robin is my friend for a very long time. I admire him and I am happy with the many discussions)," Legarda said.
"Ako, 4th term senator pero di ko pa memoryado kada linya nito. Di po madali. Pero si Senator Robin, dahil magaling magmemorya ng script sa pelikula at kaya kumanta ng Wonderful Tonight, kayang kaya niya ito (Me, a fourth term senator, have not memorized every line of it. It is not easy. But Senator Robin, because he is good in memorizing scripts in films and can sing 'Wonderful Tonight', he can really do this)," she added.
Later on, Padilla showed another book given to him by Legarda titled "Kadagatan tubtob Kabukidan," an Antiqueño phrase that means "From the Seas to the Mountains," which was published through Legarda's collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Visayas, and other state universities.
Calling it "the Bible" of Legarda when it comes to the environment, Padilla appreciated its creation through a collaborative effort.
"Mas maganda nga naman kung grupo kayo. Convergence ang sinabi niya. At yun daw talaga. Di tayo nabubuhay nang indibidwal. Dapat lagi tayong sama-sama (It is really better if you are a group. Convergence is what she said. And that's what really is. We do not live as an individual. We need to be with each other always)," Padilla said.
Legarda also gave Padilla another book titled "Hibla ng Lahing Pilipino," where Filipina weavers from different parts of the country were featured including a plant called "tayum" (indigo plant) which can be processed to become a natural dye for the "maong" (denim) cloth.
"Ito ay ireregalo ko kay Senator Padilla para hindi lang guide sa Senado, para sa kanyang bahay sa mga anak niyang maliliit at kay Mrs. Mariel, hello, yan pwede niyang ikwento. Ang ganda ikwento mo maybe one page a day pakita mo makulay na damit ng ating katutubo (I will give this to Senator Padilla as a gift not only to guide him in the Senate, but also in his household, to his small children, and to Mrs. Mariel, hello, he can tell them. It is good to tell them maybe one page a day. Show them the colorful outfits of our natives)," Legarda told Padilla.
Padilla described it as one of the greatest gifts that anyone can have, calling it one of the treasures of the Filipino race.
Legarda also gave Padilla a pair of spoon and fork made of bamboo, and coffee which all came from Antique where she hails from.
She also assured Padilla that she is more than happy to share her knowledge with the neophyte senator.
"Di kaya sa isang upuan (It can't be done in one sitting). It’s an evolving thing. So I’m here for you Senator Robin. Lahat na gusto mong itanong basta kaya ng aking utak at karanasan, sisikapin kong magturo (All of your queries, as long as my brain and experience can [answer])," Legarda assured Padilla. She also asked him to share his knowledge and experiences.
The two lawmakers also discussed proper solid waste management and Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Law which was also sponsored by Legarda in her previous stint in the Senate.
In a recent statement, Padilla said he was open to being mentored by his colleagues as a neophyte senator.
Padilla is a holder of a bachelor's degree in Criminology from the Philippine College of Criminology. (PNA)
