For outgoing Candon Councilor Joanne Valdez, service matters over credit

For outgoing Candon Councilor Joanne Valdez, service matters over credit

MANILA, Philippines – Politicians typically measure their impact by the number of bills they passed, the structures they put up, or the times they’ve been reelected. For outgoing Candon, Ilocos Sur Councilor Joanne Valdez, there is much more to public service than such tallies. Valdez, a 37-year-old legislator on her third term, reflects back on her stint being content with simply being able to amplify voices that don’t always have a platform.  …