Here to serve Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade (center) lightens up in the company of his lieutenants at the Department of Transportation, namely, (from left) Undersecretary for aviation and airports Manuel Tamayo, Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan, Undersecretary for Planning Ruben Reinoso and Land Transportation Office Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante. ROY PELOVELLO

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said he had always set the bar of challenges he faces to “difficult,” making expectations hard to achieve.

“The greater the conflict, the more glorious will be the triumph,” is how he described his principle in life.

Tugade said he treats achievements as both good and bad. With such a philosophy, he said he gets more things done at the fastest time possible.

“The good is when you are given a pat on the shoulder, the animo and the encouragement are increased. The bad is, as I’ve always told my people, your next performance will be based on your previous best,” he explained.

Tugade was handed the award as the “Top Government Official” in yesterday’s online forum “Straight Talk with Daily Tribune.”

“It’s good to receive an award, good but frightening,” said Tugade, who was cited for his efforts in modernizing the transport sector, particularly the country’s airports that were previously judged as among the world’s worst terminals.

“It’s good because you recognize our little accomplishments; frightening because from those accomplishments, you will now look for bigger ones. Then come the challenges,” he added.

Tugade said recognition also encourages him to do more and rally his people to perform and serve the public better.

He also stressed that he is up for the bigger challenges in the transport industry.

“When you get something like this, it is supposed that you expect me to deliver more than what I have delivered,” Tugade said. “But then it is within that concept, and it is within that feeling, that I accept and I tell you, I accept your challenge.”

Under his leadership, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the country’s primary gateway, once tagged as one of the world’s worst airports, is now rated as a one-star terminal. The Clark International Airport is now considered as a two-star airport.

From 11 night-rated airports throughout the country, Tugade’s team managed to increase them to 19 and counting.

On sea transport, Tugade said the Department of Transportation will pursue the stalled modernization of the country’s nautical highway by putting up much needed infrastructure.

In terms of land transport, the agency has been pushing for the modernization of bus terminals, jeepney units and even the railway system.

“We don’t stop with these improvements. We will work very hard to achieve more with the guidance of President Duterte,” Tugade said.

Top individuals who Daily Tribune voted for their exemplary work in their particular fields for 2018 are President Rodrigo Duterte for political leadership, businessman Dennis Uy as top business personality, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade for civic initiative, unparalleled artist Lea Salonga, judicial standout former Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, the President’s trusted aide Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana who has the keen sense in securing the country, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar for his effective role in imparting Palace programs for the people, sports heroine Yuka Saso, public order guardian Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde and Cabinet dynamo Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

Grand visit Daily Tribune family led by Publisher and President Willie Fernandez (center, red checkers) hosts Department of Transportation top guns headed by Secretary Tugade. ROY PELOVELLO