Profile 2: 100 People I meet "TONY LEVISTE"( Knowns/unknowns)

     It was then while I was having difficulty looking for a job for internship that I came across a telephone number of a company.  Not having any idea what company it is, I took the courage to call the number. Luckily I was entertained and invited for an interview.  To make a long story short, I become an intern to this company.  It was engaged in real estate business owned by former Batangas Governor Tony Leviste.  Frankly, I know very little about him then.  As time went by, however, I had the opportunity to work closer with him. I was hired and become his secretary.  Thus I got to know more about Gov. Leviste.

       Gov. Leviste is very well known to many.  A politician, businessman,  environmentalist.  But who is the real Tony Leviste?  

       At  the age of 31, he became Governor of Batangas.  He is a good speaker, being a successful politician.  During his term, he accomplished many things.  One of his major accomplishments is the establishment of the Batangas International Seaport which is serving as the engine of economic growth of CALABARZON and which he considers the legacy of his public service career. 

The Pansipit River is a short river located in the Batangas province of the Philippines. The river is the sole drainage outlet of Taal Lake, which empties to Balayan Bay. The river stretches about 9 kilometres passing along the towns of Agoncillo, Lemery, San Nicolas and Taal serving as border between the communities. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pansipit_River

He pursued his programs with passion.  These include the Barangay Waterworks, the Rural Electrification Program, the Bayanihan School Buildings Program, the Batangas Motor Pool, the Capitol Park with an Eduardo Castrillo monumental sculpture as its centerpiece, Project Compassion, the Batangas Green Revolution, Palayan ng Bayan (Masagana 99), Saknungan sa Bagong Lipunan (the dredging of Pansipit River by volunteers), Batangas Barangay Brigades  (the training of 6,000 Barangay officials for 7 days and nights in the fastness of Mount Batulao where Huk Supremo Luis Taruc was a resource speaker and the graduation was attended by President Ferdinand E. Marcos), Hukbong Bagong lipunan, Handog sa Pangulo the Batangas Love Revolution, the Alternative Medical Center (where acupuncture, faith healing and hilot were offered), the celebration of the Batangas Foundation Day highlighted by the selection of “Princisesa ng Kumintang”, and the Mobile Library, Barangayan.

As an environmentalist, he planted the trees now giving shade and comfort to motorists along SLEX.  Under his “Billion Trees Program he planted thousands more trees in many parts of Batangas.

SLEX where most of us pass by surrounded by Tree

     

During his tenure, he was awarded the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines for public administration (featuring the “Concentric Circle of Governance” which promotes “Participator Democracy”) by the Philippine Jaycees, elected as Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairman for Southern Tagalog, appointed by President Marcos as chairman of the  Management for Forest Ecosystem (PROFEM) and the Batasang Bayan (forerunner of the Batasang Pambansa).   

The very known attraction at Fortune Island for its Greek Inspired Land scapes

Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel famous at Matabungkay Batangas

C-Boutique Hotel at Baguio City

As a businessman, he owns the Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel, Fortune Island (famous for its Greek inspired landscapes), C-Boutique Hotel in Baguio and the LPL Suites in Makati. He has also built several condominium buildings which are ubiquitous in Makati City all bearing the “LPL” trademark. In recognition of his contribution to tourism he was appointed Director of the Philippine Tourism Authority and elected Chairman/Director of the Tourism Organization of the Philippines (later replaced by the Tourism Council of the Philippines ), Resorts Association of the Philippines and Realtor of the Year by the Business Writers Association of the Philippines.

In the peak of his fame, trial in life beset him.  He was accused of homicide and went to jail in 2007.  By God’s grace, he was released on 2013.  Even while in the NBP, he continued his public service and served the interest of his fellow inmates.  He was a mentor, teacher and adviser to the inmates all the while.  

"Perfect Practice Makes Perfect"

Billy goat was known at Greenbelt 5 in Makati walking every morning

 

I also witnessed the personal side of Tony Leviste.  A loving man.  A man who would do anything for his family.  People who know him say he is a taskmaster, but a soft-hearted person.  He has compassion for those in need.  He is happy with simple things.  A pet lover.  A good husband and father.  He is a mentor to many.  You would always hear him say, “Love your work and get the job done”.  He really does. 

       Gov. Leviste is an amazing man able to make the impossible possible.  He helped his young son, who is another awesome personality, build the 63 MW Solar Power plant in Calatagan, Batangas in only 4 months.

The 63MW Solar Power Plant in Calatagan Batangas

     These are just a few of the traits of Gov. Leviste.  Now pushing 80 years old, he isn’t finished getting things done. You wouldn’t believe it until you meet him.  More projects and achievements are still in the offing. His mind is amazing and his thoughts are fantastic.  He could get the job done that no one else can.  Hats off to you Gov!  You are one of a kind.