Hindi naging madali ang nagdaang isang taon sa pagtahak at pagsisilbi ni Benhur D. Abalos, Jr. bilang Kalihim ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“Hinarap natin ang samu’t-saring mga pagsubok at hamon na higit na nagpatibay sa atin.

Once you make your decisions — you make sure, it is the right decision. But at the end of the day, it is very hard for a leader to make some decisions because sometimes, these decisions — although right, are unpopular. You will find yourself in a place when you’re just standing alone in what you believe is true. But you have to make that decision. But upon making it, you will be surprised, when you turn around you’ve got so much support.

At the end of the day, the true barometer of what you’ve done is the output — the result of your decision. Leadership is like that — t’s about making hard decisions, but in your heart, it’s the good or the best decision.

Basta naniniwala tayo sa ginagawa nating mabuti at tama sa prinsipyo — titindigan natin ito. Even if you stand alone, walk alone. You walk that lonely road alone, unbowed & unwavering. Maski gaano karaming asong kumakahol, magugulat ka, dahil pagtalikod mo — marami ka palang kasama na naniniwala at sumusuporta sa iyo.

“Leadership is having confidence to stand alone, having that courage to make tough decisions, and having the compassion to hear the needy. Because leaders do not set out to be leaders — not at all. They are made by the equity of their actions and the integrity of their intent.”

Subukin man ng maraming dagok, makakaasa po kayong patuloy ang ating pagtindig na unahin ang kapakanan ng sambayanang publiko. Para sa bayan — para sa bansang Pilipinas,” ayon sa kalihim. Naging katuwang DILG ang Bureau of Fire Protection National Capital Region sa ilalim ng Pamumuno ni FCUSPT NAHUM B TARROZA, DCS, Regional Director upang maisakatuparan ang mga programa nito kung paano mas lubos na mapagibayo at mapahusay kung paano masasawata ang mapaminsalang sunog, sakuna, aksidente at magligtas ng buhay at ari-arian tungo sa  pagiging matibay at matatag sa pagsubok. (Photodilg/Renante Arjay Jarobel/Marjorie Mahusay)