Ronnel Español's dedication to public service remains firm, even after his term as Alabel Vice Mayor ended in 2022. Drawing from his extensive experience in the Sangguniang Bayan, he now serves as a consultant and lecturer on local legislation, assisting various local governments and civic groups in addressing legislative concerns and strengthening their organizations.
“My public service never ends. I have not strayed from serving the people,” Español affirms.
As a consultant, he works with local government units at all levels—barangay, municipal, and provincial—tackling diverse challenges such as drafting ordinances, refining internal rules for barangay sessions, and even aiding in the establishment of local state college. Despite the complexities, Español remains committed, driven by his passion for learning and collaboration.
To further enhance his expertise, he pursued postgraduate studies, earning a Master’s in Public Administration from Bukidnon State University and continuing to a Doctorate in Public Administration at Philippine Christian University. His journey reflects a lifelong commitment to growth and service.
One of Ronnel Español's notable partnerships was with the Province of Maguindanao, where he served as a lecturer on local legislation and parliamentary procedure. Due to the size of the province, the lectures were divided into three batches to accommodate all municipalities effectively.
Español also highlights his collaboration with the Municipality of Malapatan, where he played a key role in establishing the Malapatan Local College of Science and Technology (MALAHSCI). This initiative originated from his dissertation, titled "Establishment of Local College: Basis for Development."
He contributed by drafting the ordinance, defending it before the Sangguniang Bayan of Malapatan, and facilitating coordination between the LGU Malapatan and Commission of Higher Education (CHED). Once the process of establishing the college was underway, Español entrusted its management to the local officials, reflecting his collaborative and empowering approach.
Barangays hold a special place in Español’s heart, as evidenced by his selfless dedication to empowering them. He often waives his professional fees to help barangays strengthen their capacity and fulfill their duties as public officials.
His assistance typically includes crafting internal rules of procedures for the Sangguniang Barangay, drafting ordinances like waterworks regulations and revenue codes, and delivering lectures on topics related to the Local Government Code. Español’s commitment reflects his genuine passion for community development and grassroots empowerment.
For Español, lectures are less effective when the venue is overcrowded with participants. Based on his experience, each barangay faces unique challenges, and some attendees may hesitate to share their concerns in a public setting due to various factors. To address this, Español often takes the initiative to personally visit specific barangays, conducting one-on-one sessions with the barangay council to better understand and resolve their issues.
He openly shares his knowledge, driven by a genuine desire to benefit the public. Firmly rooted in his purpose and committed to personal growth, he believes in empowering others through his expertise.
"Whatever knowledge I have acquired, I want to share it so that the barangay can also benefit from it," he shares with conviction.
Español observes that many barangays he works with face a common challenge: most Kagawads believe their primary role is limited to providing solicitations, with little understanding of their broader responsibilities as barangay officials. One of their most vital functions is serving as policymakers within the barangay.
To address this, Español focuses on empowering and equipping the barangay council to perform their duties effectively for their constituents.
“The Sangguniang Barangay is a policymaking body of a barangay. If they propose policies, they should know how to create them properly. They need to understand the basics,” he explains.
As part of his barangay assistance efforts, Español begins by attending a barangay council session to observe its proceedings. He believes that understanding the dynamics and context of the situation is essential before providing his insights and recommendations.
As the former Vice Mayor of Alabel in Sarangani Province, Ronnel Español made remarkable strides in local governance, leaving a lasting impact on the town through his flagship legislations. His notable ordinances include the Integrated Senior Citizen Assistance & Welfare Ordinance (ISCA), the institutionalization of the Child Development Worker Ordinance, Moral Recovery Ordinance, and the Investment and Incentive Code of Alabel, which collectively enhanced the town’s social welfare, child development programs, and economic growth.
During his tenure, the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Alabel garnered significant recognition for its exemplary legislative efforts. The Municipality of Alabel was honored as the number one Sangguniang Bayan in Sarangani Province and achieved first runner-up in Region 12 during the Local Legislative Award spearheaded by the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
In the 2025 local and national elections, he is once again running for municipal councilor of Alabel, driven by his commitment to advancing local legislation that directly benefits the community. If given the opportunity to return to the SB Alabel, he plans to champion the town's cityhood by establishing the Alabel Cityhood Task Force and developing a comprehensive Cityhood Framework Development Plan.
However, he recognizes that passing a cityhood ordinance alone is insufficient. For him, a thorough feasibility study is essential to determine whether Alabel is truly prepared for cityhood.
Despite the challenges that elections in the Philippines face, such as vote buying and selling, he remains steadfast in his belief in the people's ability to choose the right candidates.
"I’m praying that, eventually, people will realize that they are paying the public officials. Are you willing to pay an official who isn’t working? I’m not claiming to be the most qualified, but my experience, educational qualifications, and intentions should warrant giving me a chance to return,” he says.
Español hopes to contribute further to the municipality, firmly believing that there is still much to accomplish. With renewed vigor, he is ready to apply his expertise to legislative work in SB Alabel. His years of experience, characterized by dedication and passion, have earned him the community's trust. Guided by a deep love for his work, he remains committed to serving those who have entrusted him with leadership.
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