Two prominent political figures who emerged in the last few years with distinctively contrasting approaches to their roles are VP Sara Duterte and First Lady Liza Araneta- Marcos.

Due to their roles in the present political dynamics, we can’t help but point to the stark dichotomy between the two, each representing a different ethos: one soaked in the specter of death threats and intimidation, and the other dedicated to a renaissance of heritage.

Lest I be accused of being biased, allow me to prove my point. Inday Sara, during her father’s tenure, was initially presented with the role of First Lady due to the circumstances in the Duterte family.

Notably, she accompanied her father on official foreign trips. That was her achievement as far as we recall. As Davao mayor and Vice President, her political strategy has often been characterized by a heavy hand, much like the Grim Reaper, threatening to unleash violence and death upon those who dare to challenge her.

Inday Sara’s time in office at the DepEd was forgettable. Her initiatives, such as the Matatag Curriculum, had zero impact and failed to improve education metrics.

Likewise, her time at the NTF-ELCAC was not about achieving a path to peace but only to defend her use of confidential funds. Her political journey has been more of maintaining her family’s political power without any substantial policy innovations.

In stark contrast, one of the objects of Inday Sara’s wrath, First Lady Liza Marcos, has been quietly working as a beacon of cultural revival. Unknown to many, she has taken the role of custodian of some of the most important Filipino heritage sites.

Her projects, such as the “Pasig Bigyan Buhay Muli” initiative, aims to revitalize the Pasig River, making it not only cleaner but also a hub for economic activity and an enhanced public space. The showcase area, the Pasig River Esplanade, was recently featured by foreign and local tourist-vloggers. It includes walkways, public parks, and event spaces, all the elements of an urban renewal.

Her cultural preservation efforts, especially with the Centro de Turismo Intramuros, have been a hit with students and tourists alike. The Centro not only preserves history, with more than 8,000 artifacts, but breathes new life into one of Manila’s oldest neighborhoods, turning it into a vibrant cultural hub.

Even the streets and sidewalks of Intramuros were rehabilitated. This project — along with the rehabilitation and repurposing of historical structures like the Bahay Ugnayan, the Teus Mansion and Goldenberg Mansion within the Malacañang compound — now serves as a cultural showcase.

Even though she’s not directly in a government education role, First Lady Liza Marcos has impacted developments in education and culture more than the ex-DepEd secretary. In fact, she has been instrumental in loaning over more than 40,000 books and organized the renewal and repair of the Presidential Museum in the National Library.

As an educator, the First Lady understands that culture and heritage are fundamental to the identity, cohesion, and development of the Filipino, both as a nation and race. In fact, Jose Rizal harshly criticized the Spanish colonial system’s failure to enlighten Filipinos about their own culture and identity.

In a country with more than 12 million migrant workers around the globe, it is crucial to awaken national consciousness and pride in the Filipino heritage. Various studies have suggested that cultural preservation can be beneficial for the mental well-being and quality of life of Filipino migrant workers.

In this internet age, Filipinos are witnesses to two contrasting characters of leadership: a caretaker of power with little to show for it, and a weaver of the Filipino legacy, using cultural and urban projects to leave a lasting, positive imprint on the nation’s fabric.

In sum, this dichotomy invites us to reflect on what public figures owe to their people in terms of legacy and development.