Media magnet young Councilor "Jam" Baronda in persona
Undeterred by the political landscape primarily dominated by men, she established her name above anyone's expectations, emerging victoriously from malicious controversies and criticisms and possessing a no non-sense attitude towards her work as a public servant. Julienne "Jam-Jam" Baronda, began to envision herself as an elected official when she felt first hand the nationalism and the freedom being celebrated by the people during the country's liberation from the Marcos regime in the 1986 EDSA Revolution. It was then, that at a young age, an immaculate transformation within herself happened and right there she knew that being a leader is in her blood and helping others in need will be her vocation whether she is in the position or not.
Being one of the youngest legislators now in the country, Jam is at the moment closer to her dream of being a great political figure. Her comfort with the public and exposure to the adoring audiences started with her constant participation from her previous school's organizations, oratorical competitions, sports and extra-curricular activities all of which later molded her to easily have a rapport with various kinds of people. She radiates an unpretentious aura of a woman without qualms, and a maturing official whose devotion and enthusiasm is evident in her commitment to serve.
Before her foray to politics, she takes pride in being an active Girl Scout years back and was awarded with the highest distinction of merit as Most Outstanding Girl Scout in the Philippines granted in the GSP's national office in Manila by no less than former first lady Amelita Ramos.
Her first taste in public service started when she served as the president of Sangguniang Kabataan, a division of the government dedicated to the orientation of well-being for the youth. She was only 17, yet her skills and passion was rewarded when she was recognized as one of the Outstanding SK members from more than 40,000 constituents all over the country. "I greatly take into consideration all my experiences as an SK Federation president for six years because it molded me to become who I am now", she says. It was during her reign as Chairman of the Youth that her anti-smoking campaign began. A bill which has recently been opposed by other political parties but still is one of her foremost advocacies in response to the total welfare of the youth and the majority as well. She also initiated educational programs on reproductive health, pregnancy among youth, disaster prevention and emergency response, and also formulating the code for gender sensitivity and equality known as The Gender Development Code.
Despite her parents' discouragement to run, her spirit was not dampened and she pushed through regardless of the seemingly impenetrable odds she was facing. "At that time when I decided to ran for SK president, my mom said that we do not have sufficient money to buy votes. But I retaliated in proving that I can spell a difference in the election. What I did was, I went around the barangays here in the city and looked for other leaders who can help me in my plan and gathered every information that I need to know." When she ran for city councilor, she detached herself from any political party that can possibly tarnish her political agenda and believed that she can win even without the power of money.
Jam believes that the core values of a public official is discipline, value of self-respect and sincerity. Essential qualities that she declares to have besides her passion for what she does. "I do often get home tired. But at the end of the day, I am fulfilled knowing that I did something valuable. I don't consider my job as work but rather a hobby. Public service became a habit for me. I am enjoying and it's really what keeps me going each day." She acknowledges that being considered a public property, criticisms cannot be avoided either by her colleagues or from the public's prying eyes. "The worst that has been said about me was that I wasn't sincere and that I cannot be able to continue my advocacies. I am not here to prove anything but I know one day I'll be vindicated knowing that I thoroughly did what I am supposed to." She acknowledges herself not to be fond of lip service but rather is active in working hard to achieve her goals and considers the trials she encounters as building blocks towards her personal and political growth.
Besides being a councilor she is also a member of the Jaycees International's Iloilo Ilang-Ilang Jaycees and the National Movement of Young Leaders, a group of young governors, vice governors, mayors, vice mayors, board members and councilors who belongs in the age bracket of 35 and below.
She responses to the prevailing problem of our country today which is graft and corruption by starting with herself. "There shouldn't be any red-taping in your political affairs or plan. And the main obstruction of our progress is that our people see us as sole solutions to the nations setbacks. But change should happen within us. Instead of asking what our country has done to you, ask yourself what you have done to your country instead." Her future campaign includes her plan for Iloilo to be globally competitive through the provision of advancements in educational technology.
Asked about a political figure she wants to emulate, she quickly answers, Lee Kuan Yu, Singapore's former prime minister and considers Marcos to be an intelligent ruler had he not been overshadowed by the greediness of her wife. "I travel a lot and has been around the globe, not merely for vacation but for learning, and absorbing the differences each country make that formulates their success and helping them move towards improvement and progress. It is through this that whatever knowledge I have gained and absorbed I impart it to my colleagues and I learn from it as well."
Even with her busy schedule she makes sure that she spares enough time for her friends and family. The only thing she does to cope from stress is by catching up and bonding with her different sets of pals and praying the rosary with her parents and siblings. Part of her duty is giving all the blessings back to her parents who since has been supportive and proud of her achievements. She makes sure that she helps in the financial expenses around the house like paying bills and the household helps.
With Jam there is much to talk about. She never fails to amuse anyone with her charm, beauty, grace and candidness. She is life at its fullest. A woman with substance, a thoughtful friend, an affectionate daughter and sister, a devoted government administrator, a hard-working entrepreneur and a well-rounded individual. No matter what she does, her undying passion will carry her through. I wouldn't be surprised if one day she will be the next president of this country.