Student leaders coming from various schools in Iloilo City experienced firsthand running the reins of the local government here, marking the start of the Boys’ and Girls’ Week celebrations.

The annual activity, organized in partnership with the Rotary Club of Iloilo City, gathered 52 students, led by Girl Mayor Helen Natalie Bolivar of the West Visayas State University – Integrated Laboratory School and Girl Vice Mayor Pia Therese Sancho of Assumption Iloilo.

“It’s a heavy responsibility because being a mayor is, of course, one of the biggest responsibilities someone has to carry because you are leading a whole city. I am very excited and very grateful for this responsibility given to me,” Bolivar said in a media interview.

Bolivar said she is looking forward to seeing “how the inner government offices truly run,” as she works side by side with her counterpart, Mayor Raisa Treñas.

She also wanted to know how the offices work together in delivering services, emphasizing that unity is important “to fully address the plight of our people and to develop our nation.”

On the other hand, Sancho hoped she would not only to learn but also lead her fellow officials.

“I hope that in my position, I will not only see good governance, but hopefully, I can spark something more within the walls of the office of vice mayor,” she said.

Sancho will work with her counterpart, Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace Baronda.

The two student leaders were joined by other girl and boy officials sitting as counterparts of city councilors, heads of departments and offices and other national government offices at the city hall.

In her statement, Treñas said she is excited to share her vision with her counterpart.

Through the activity, she said youth leaders will “experience a week of public service, and a chance to learn about what programs the city offers for the Ilonggos.”

“This is an opportunity also for us public servants, to start them early — to teach them that serving our community requires sacrifice, honesty, accountability, and transparency. Sa aton mga (To our) future leaders, learn from this experience — you will bring this moment for a lifetime,” she said. (PNA)