The Ilaw ng Buhay, as far as I knew, was well known by the United States Assistance for International Development and by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.

These international agencies were so impressed by what Ilaw ng Buhay had wrought on the lives of the people, and, as a consequence, substantial assistance from these agencies were given the Ilaw International Training Center.

Soon, however, it became apparent to us that Ilaw ng Buhay came to the awareness of foreign diplomats assigned to the Philippines, and other very important persons, in all likelihood, by USAID and UNICEF.

From 1981 to 1985, a steady exodus of the diplomats and VIPs came to visit the City of Tagbilaran to gain first-hand knowledge of Ilaw ng Buhay and its effects on people. I would therefore brief those personalities so that, even to myself, I sounded like a broken record.

I am reproducing hereunder the letters sent by the visitors, couched in diplomatic compliments, profuse in their praise and gratitude. I hope this will not be misconstrued as trying to bloat my political stock. As I have said, I have cut clean from politics.

But I would be less than human, less than candid, if I said that I was stoical in my reaction to what they wrote. Again, as I said before, every time someone puts a feather on my cap I light up like a Christmas tree.

Here is a letter from Madras, India, from Mr. Ramnath C. Dore, UNICEF chief of South India:

Ramnath C. Dore C/o UNICEF, South India Office Government Estate, Mount Road, Madras 600 00210 October 1981 Dear Mayor Rocha, Our short exposure to the excellent work done by you in the City of (Tagbilaran) during our visit to Philippines wil always be cherished in our memories. No doubt you had taken pains to understand, investigate explore and determine ways and means in which the problems of the people can be identified by their own efforts and sorted out through collaborative, cooperative approach of (Ilaw ng Buhay). It was also observed that you were omni-present, whether it was the the coast watching new methods of fishing or training programmes of the Barangay Captains. The dinner hosted at your home by you and your wife has a sentimental ring which will always remain with me as long as I live. We were quite moved by the thoughts expressed by you and that human dynamo Ramon. There are lots of lessons being learnt that we would like to adapt/adopt after suitable modifications, in our country. What impressed me most was your dedication and commitment to te cause of lifting people from their present dis-advantaged condtions. I must congratulate you on initiating an excellent programme. If you happen to come to India, do make it a point to let me know and visit Madras so that I may have an opportunity of reciprocating your hospitality in a small way at least. With kind regards, Yours sincerely, (sgd.) Ramnath C. Dore

Another letter, from Ms. Zynia L. Rionda of USAID:

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Manila, PhilippinesRamon Magsaysay Center 1680 Roxas Boulevard Telephone: 59-80-1 October 27, 1981 Mayor Jose Ma. Rocha Office of the Mayor Tagbilaran, Bohol Dear Mayor Rocha: First, my apologies for not being able to write you earlier to express my appreciation for facilitating our visit to the “Ilaw ng Buhay” Project. You and the “Ilaw ng Buhay” staff are really doing commendable and most inspiring work among the people in Tagbilaran. Most apparent, moreover, is the dedication and fine leadership that you are providing to this very worthwhile project. What we saw in action in Tagbilaran, I believe, quite reinforces the principle that leadership is a most critical input in any enterprise and determines its success or failure. I would also like to extend my appreciation to you and Mrs. Rocha for the fine example of Boholano hospitality that we experienced. We hope that when you are in Manila we will get the opportunity to reciprocate. I am enclosing here a paper on administrative capability which I hope you will find interesting. Under separate cover, via air mail, I am also sending a collection of materials on family planning including copies of Lito comic books (with whom you are quite familiar) and a 16mm film, “Understanding the Pill”. I hope these materials will be of use to the “Ilaw ng Buhay”. My warm regards to you and Mrs. Rocha, Sincerely yours, (Sgd.) Zynia L. Rionda Project Officer Population Division, o/PHN Encl. a/s