Pasay city: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian underscored the importance of humility, listening, and community ownership in any style of leadership as he addressed hundreds of local officials and education advocates during the 2026 W. SyCip National Education Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the first day of the two-day summit, themed 'Seize the day and live your dream,' brought together governors, mayors, local officials, and educators to discuss transformative leadership in education governance. Gatchalian reflected on his journey from serving six years as a congressman to leading Valenzuela City as mayor for nine years and now heading the DSWD, emphasizing that leadership is shaped not by authority alone but also by the people whom leaders serve.
Gatchalian posed critical questions about leadership styles, asking whether leaders define the people or the people define the leaders. He expressed his belief that it is the people who define leadership styles. The DSWD chief noted that the first step toward effective leadership is accepting limitations, acknowledging that leaders do not have a monopoly on the right answers.
He emphasized the importance of listening, especially for those in positions of authority, suggesting that leaders should slow down and truly listen. Gatchalian shared insights from Valenzuela's award-winning Education 360 program, highlighting the importance of including stakeholders as part of the solution rather than imposing solutions upon them.
Gatchalian also discussed the need for persistence in public service, citing the creation of the Walang Gutom Program under the DSWD as an example of overcoming bureaucratic challenges. He stressed that roadblocks should not deter efforts and that relentless pursuit of goals is essential.
In concluding his message, Gatchalian emphasized the importance of ensuring sustainability beyond one's term in office by finding other champions or agents of change. The summit also featured messages from Synergeia Foundation President Miguel Rene Dominguez and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, as well as a reflection on 'Carpe Diem' by Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ.
