Aspiring SK chair faces backlash for 'epal' branding on flood rescue boats

An aspiring youth leader in Biñan City, Laguna, is drawing heavy criticism for branding rescue boats used to assist students and residents during floods with her name and photo, an act widely perceived as "epal" or self-promotion. Footage circulating on social media showed boats deployed in flooded residential streets, featuring tarpaulins that read "LIBRENG SAKAY NG BANGKA PARA SA MGA ESTUDYANTE" (Free boat rides for students). Prominently displayed on these tarpaulins were the name and photo of Rica Mae Cerujano, an aspiring Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chair and Laguna Youth Patroller from Barangay Dela Paz. Cerujano, however, has defended her actions, claiming that most negative comments about her free boat ride initiative originate from "dump accounts." She questioned the time and energy of those who, she believes, are more updated on her life than their own, and criticized individuals who post negative comments without fact-checking and those who fear revealing their identities while criticizing. "If they are that brave to speak, I hope they would be as brave to use their real accounts. I respect criticism, but I hope it's criticism with sense and conviction, not negativity for the sake of attention. Just saying," Cerujano stated in a social media post. Her defense has been met with further backlash. Critics pointed out her inability to justify the prominent display of her image on the boats, with some labeling her a "trapo" (traditional politician) in the making and expressing concern over her approach to public service even at the SK level. This incident echoes a directive from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier this year, which ordered the strict nationwide enforcement of its "Anti-Epal Policy." The DILG mandated the immediate removal of names, images, and likenesses of public officials from all government-funded projects, programs, activities, and properties. DILG Secretary emphasized that government projects are funded by taxpayers and should not be used for personal promotion, stating, "Government programs are not personal billboards. These are funded by taxpayers and must reflect public service, not political credit grabbing." "Public funds are for public service. Not for personal publicity," the government agency added.