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By Izah Morales INQUIRER.net WHEN Philippine politics seems hopeless for some, a few leaders still see the light at the end of the tunnel. Mayor Sonia Lorenzo of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio and Isabela Governor Grace Padaca still believe that good governance and ethical leadership is possible as they advocate the movement, “Kaya Natin.” “By ourselves, we have demonstrated on our localities that good governance and ethical leadership is possible especially with the support of the constituency,” said Robredo. Robredo elaborated that leaders cannot do the work alone. The government and the people should work hand in hand. He related that in Naga City, non-government organizations are part of the decision-making. Also, Padaca stressed that no one should be exempted from doing his share. Meanwhile, Lorenzo shared that citizen empowerment increased participation of sectors. She cited that students participated in their municipal programs. Behind the success of people’s participation in San Isidro was the framework called bridging leadership, said Lorenzo. “Bridging leadership framework is where you co-own the issue and co-create solutions. What we did is we used programs to transform people,” explained Lorenzo. Achieving development in their localities brought lessons to these leaders. Lorenzo said that she learned to listen to people while Robredo still believe that good governance is good politics. Before the forum ended, these leaders left the audience with the acronym, EAT (engagement, accountability, transparency), where people should engaged in government activities and hold their leaders accountable while leaders should be transparent in accomplishing their duties. When good governance and ethical leadership seems impossible, there are still a few people who believe that it is possible and proved that it can be done.