“Anything is Possible” for this Neophyte Legislator
“Eina-thing is possible!” Just like the tagline she used during the election campaign which was coined after her nickname “Eina”, City Councilor-Elect Charene Kristelle Jumilla could attest that anything is possible especially when you are armed with strong determination, optimism and strong support group.
The 28-year-old young lady, fondly called “Eina” by her family and friends, has won the hearts of her fellow Koronadaleños which led her to the fourth spot as City Councilor after winning the May 9, 2022 Election. She garnered a total of 47,517 votes, an overwhelming result for a first timer like her in the field of politics.
During her interview in the “Tingog sang Pagsanyog”, a development program of the city government of Koronadal, City Councilor-elect Eina Jumilla said that winning the elections was not just an easy one.
Jumilla had to face a dilemma and a number of negative issues before she could realize her dream of becoming one of the youngest members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Koronadal. Such negativity, however, did not bother her; instead, she kept her cool and worked harder.
“It’s better to win through actions rather than argue with them, because in the end they will still continue to rely on what they truly believe in. So, better work on your dreams and reach your goal”, Jumilla remarked.
Politics Really Runs in the Blood
Even before she decided to run for public office, Eina was already exposed and had fallen in love with public service at a very young age.
She started serving when she was in school. She used to be a consistent leader from her elementary to college years.
She became part of the Pupil Government of Koronadal Central Elementary School-1. While in High School, she was the President of the Student Government of Notre Dame of Sienna School of Marbel. In college, she became one of the Supreme Student Government Officers at Notre Dame of Marbel University.
As a daughter of an experienced politician, she had reservations before running for public office. She became unsure when her father disapproved the idea of her joining politics.
Known to everyone, her father, Atty. Rene B. Jumilla, is a seasoned politician who has been a public servant for more than 30 years. He became a Municipal Councilor, Vice Mayor, Provincial Board Member and City Councilor. Currently, he is the City Administrator under the “Bagong Koronadal” banner headed by its current and second-termer City Mayor Eliordo Ogena.
According to Eina, her father has been her inspiration why she joined politics but he is also the first one to give his objection when she was planning to run for public office to protect her from the chaotic world of politics.
However, Mayor Ogena, former Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes and her boss for almost seven years, 2nd District Representative Ferdinand Hernandez, played a pivotal role in coming up with a decision to run for this year’s polls.
Because of her passion and willingness to serve her fellow Koronadaleños, Eina decided to take the plunge. Since there’s nothing else that her father can do, Atty. Jumilla finally gave his blessing and supported her all the way.
“Practically, I grew up with politics around me. Even before I was born, my father had been in politics. At an early age, I saw how he gave his all to public service and through that I came to love public service. However, Papa didn’t approve of it at first. He didn’t even know that I was in the line-up of Bagong Koronadal. But Papa saw the passion in him. So, he gave me his blessings and let me decide on my own”, Eina revealed.
Future Plans for Her Beloved Koronadaleňos
Days before the inauguration and oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected officials in the City of Koronadal, the neophyte politician shared her excitement and plans before she officially took the seat as one of the members of the city council.
She said that she wants to focus on various programs and provide services that will benefit various sectors in the city, such as the youth, transportation, agriculture, education, trade industry and housing.
“As young people, this is our chance to be a part of the change that will definitely develop our talents and skills and will eventually shape the future of the younger generations. I will focus more on the youth where there should be concrete and sustainable development programs for them. Likewise, I will also give attention to Business, Trade and Industry since they were the most affected sector during the pandemic and to the housing and land use sectors especially now that the DHSUD (Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development) is here”, Jumilla stated.
Take it from the Expert
Prior to her formal assumption in the legislative department, Eina shared some of her father’s advices. According to her, the best advice her father gave her was to always stay grounded and to serve the people sincerely and with all humility.
“My father would always advise me that whatever I do, stay grounded and serve the people with humility and serve them sincerely”, Eina shared.
On the other hand, when asked what advice she could give to those who are also willing to join politics, Eina has this to say, “Don’t lose hope. Always dream big. If you want to win, go for it!”
Her Secret to Success
Meanwhile, she expressed gratitude to those who voted for her and supported her during the elections. Her family, supporters, and party colleagues are among those who have helped prepare and equip her for the game of politics.
According to Eina, with proper preparations, the right amount of self-confidence and a positive mindset, victory is never difficult to achieve.
“I have always been taught of the law of attraction. If you have to reach a goal, you have to be optimistic. You have to believe in yourself and trust the people who believe in you. And winning this election, this I can promise, I will do my best for the greater good and for the greater number”, Jumilla said.
Indeed, for her, “Einathing is possible!”