MannyVillar: Sipag at Tiyaga

The quality of life – the dreams fulfilled, the triumphs gained and the successes attained by the person of hard work, persistence and perseverance, and who was once a simple boy determined to improve his life, continue to inspire many Filipinos to manage to pull through whatever life may bring.
His beginning inspires people. His triumphs give hope to the people. His life becomes a good example to the masses of people. He is Manny Villar, the person behind the story of “sipag at tiyaga”.
He is born to a simple family on December 13, 1949 in Moriones, Tondo, Manila. His father, Manuel Montalban Villar Sr., a government employee from Cabatuan, Balazan and Tanza, Iloillo, and his mother Curita Bamba from Pampanga and Bataan, is a seafood dealer.
With his sheer determination to have a better life, Manny worked hard in selling shrimps and fish to be able to send himself in school. And, for all his tiresome actions from the wee hours of the morning as student of the University of the Philippines, he obtained his undergraduate and masters degree in business administration and accountancy, in turn.
After graduation, he became an accountant at the country's biggest accounting firm, Sycip Gorres and Velayo (SGV). He also worked briefly as a financial analyst at the Private Development Corporation of the Philippines. With all this chances, working in various biggest business firms in the country, he chose to put his hand in business where he propelled to success and was able to help other people and the housing industry of the country as well.
Meanwhile, his business achievements were greatly recognized by various organizations. He garnered awards such as the Ten outstanding Young Men Award, Agora Award for Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Management, Most Outstanding CPA and Most Outstanding UP Alumnus.
In 1992, he began his political career as congressman of Metro Manila. A true Filipino who only dreamed of the welfare of his fellow countrymen, Villar focused himself for economic reforms, infrastructure and environmental projects, livelihood training and education - building and better facilities.
He successfully introduced and improved the roads in Sucat-Pulanglupa, Paranaque, Zapote, Molino, Cavite and other roads in southern Manila which really alleviated the traffic congestion in the area. He developed Las Pinas and Muntinlupa to cityhood. He organized "Manpower on Wheels" program, a program that helps over 5,000 poor students graduate.
For two terms of office, marshalling in economic reforms and taking public transport, Villar championed the respect and confidence of his peers, media and the masses of people. He also won the cause of small and medium-sized enterprises. He gained remarkable acclaim as an outstanding congressman and as the speaker of the 11th Congress of the House of Representatives where he steered the congress into a record-breaking achievement in legislation and economic reforms. He became the first House speaker in Philippine history to impeach a President.
In 2001, he tries to blaze a trail to senate and fortunately, won despite being a relative newcomer in national politics. He then continued his visions for the nation inside or outside of his Senate's halls.
Senator Manny Villar, for his exemplary public service and achievements has proven beyond doubt his capacity for excellence as a true Filipino entrepreneur and brilliant public servant. And, that's what he wants to impart as legacy to the Filipinos - to work hard to achieve the dreamed dreams.