FORMER Manila mayor Isko Moreno is one living testament to the deep compassion and extraordinary kindness of the late former Manila vice mayor Danilo “Danny” Lacuna.
Danny financed Isko’s studies when he took up and earned a degree in Business Administration at the International Academy of Management and Economics. He continued to support Isko when he took post-graduate courses at Harvard and Oxford. He became practically the driving force in Isko’s political life and helped him turn his miserable social condition around.
Only a few politicians have ventured to earnestly lift others up, outside their family circles, to become achievers and political leaders. Countless others have shared how Danny profoundly touched and transformed their lives.
The following is part of Isko’s FB post paying tribute to his “true political mentor:”
“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng pangaral, pagtitiwala at motibasyon nyo sa akin. Hindi ko mararating ang aking kinatatayuan at magagawa ang lahat ng ating mga nagawa sa minamahal nating Lungsod ng Maynila kung hindi dahil sa gabay at pagmamahal po Ninyo.
‘Only a few politicians have ventured to earnestly lift others up, outside their family circles, to become achievers and political leaders.’
“Si former Manila Vice mayor Danny Danny Lacuna lang ang bukod tanging naniniwala sa aking kakayahan noong ako’y konsehal pa. Maski inaalipusta ako on record at inilugmok sa hapag ng Konseho ng Maynila at sinabihan ng ‘wala yan, bobo ‘yan, walang pinag-aralan ‘yan, pa-cute na aretista lang ‘yan.’ Hinikayat nya akong bumalik sa pag-aaral para ma-iangat ko ang aking sarili. Isa po kayo sa dahilan kung bakit naging posible na ang isang nasadlak sa hirap, naging basurero, kumain ng tira ng tao sa basurahan, naging sidecar boy, ay pwedeng maging alkade ng Lungsod ng Maynila.”
Danny suffered a stroke a few years before the pandemic that left him half-paralyzed and unable to talk. But his smile never left him.
When his daughter Honey was elected mayor of Manila, he felt suddenly energized and looked incredibly happy, bringing fresh hopes for his recovery. What more could an aging and sick father ask for? For his own unfulfilled dream — to be mayor of Manila — to be accomplished by his own daughter!
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Pope Francis’ thoughts after his stay in the hospital: “The walls of the hospitals have heard more honest prayers than any church… They have seen more sincere kisses than in any airport… It’s in hospitals where you see a homophobic being saved by a gay doctor. A high society doctor saving the life of a beggar… In Intensive Care you see a Jew taking care of a racist… A police officer and a prisoner are patients in the same ward receiving the same attention… A wealthy patient in line for a liver transplant ready to receive the organ from a poor donor.
“It’s during these times when hospitals touch personal wounds, when universes intertwine for a divine purpose and in this coming together of destinies, we begin to realize that alone we are nobody, nothing! The absolute truth of a person, most times, appears when severe pain is felt or the real threat is of definite loss. This life passes quickly. Don’t fight anyone, don’t criticize your own body as much, don’t complain as much, don’t lose sleep worrying about unpaid bills.
“Be sure to kiss your loved ones. Don’t be so anxious about leaving the house immaculate. Goods and properties should be earned by each person, don’t devote your time to accumulating inheritances. Keep the dogs nearer. Don’t keep old mugs. Use the new cutlery. Don’t be mean with your favorite perfume, use it to go out even on your own. Use your favorite slippers, repeat your favorite clothes, who cares?
“Look, perfection does not exist. The human being cannot reach it, simply because he was not made to become complete in this life. This life is an opportunity for learning. So, enjoy this rehearsal of life and do it now… Respect yourself, respect others. Walk your own path and leave others to walk their own. Respect all, don’t criticize, judge or meddle. Love more, forgive more, give more hugs. Live more intensely and leave everything else in the hands of our Creator.”
