4 Cebu town mayors top performers

CEBU, Philippines — Four mayors tied on the top spot as best performing municipal chief executives for Cebu Province based on the latest RPMD Foundation Inc. "Boses ng Baya" survey.

According to RPMD, the four mayors, who statistically tied on the number one position are Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad with a job satisfaction rating of 87.8 percent; Daan Bantayan Mayor Sun Shimura who achieved a high-performance score of 87.5 percent; Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan who earned a rating of 87.2 percent, and Liloan Mayor Aljew Frasco who secured a rating of 86.9 percent.

In second place, statistically tied are Balamban Mayor Ace Binghay who got an 85.6 percent approval rating and Barili Mayor Pablo John Garcia IV with 85.3 percent.

Tuburan Mayor Aljun Diamante is third on the list with 84.1 percent while Tabogon Mayor Francis Edward Salimbangon placed fourth with 82.7.

Tied for fifth place are Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado and Dalaguete Mayor Ronnie Cesante, who earned 81.5 percent and 81.3 percent, respectively.

Other mayors in the list include Medellin Mayor Joven Mondigo Jr. at sixth spot with an 80 percent rating; and Pinamungahan Mayor Anna Jessica Baricuatro and Tudela Mayor Greman Solante, both tied for seventh place with 78.8 percent and 78.6 percent, respectively.

Santander Mayor Marites Buscato ranked eighth with 77.2 percent; Compostela Mayor Felijur Qui o placed ninth with 76 percent, and Argao Mayor Allan Sesaldo tied with Sogod Mayor Lissa Marie Durano-Streegan for tenth place, with ratings of 74.8 percent and 74.5 percent, respectively.

San Fernando Mayor Mytha Canoy took eleventh place with 72.8 percent, while Bantayan Mayor Arthur Despi with 71.5 percent is tied with Dumanjug Mayor Efren Guntrano Gica with 70.6 percent for the twelfth place.

Dr. Paul Martinez, global affairs analyst and the executive director of RPMD Foundation Inc., emphasized the remarkable performance of municipal mayors in Cebu Province.

Martinez noted that these leaders have earned the trust and recognition of their constituents by going beyond their primary responsibilities and identifying the most pressing needs of their respective communities.

Martinez highlighted that while all mayors share similar duties, those who excel are the ones who understand the unique challenges of their towns and take decisive action to address them.

In particular, he said that mayors Enad, Shimura, Suan and Frasco have set the benchmark for exemplary public service.

He said that the ability to prioritize crucial local issues, from infrastructure improvements to social welfare programs, has garnered higher approval ratings and set regional leadership standards.

Leadership is about identifying the needs of the people and turning plans into action. Mayors Rajiv, Sun, Cesar, and Aljew have demonstrated that public officials can make a lasting and meaningful impact with clear priorities and a commitment to serving their communities, Martinez added.

This independent, non-commissioned survey was conducted from July 1 to 10, 2024, for the second quarter as part of the nationwide 'Boses ng Bayan' initiative, and provides critical insights into the leadership and performance of Cebu's municipal mayors.

Engaging with 10,000 randomly selected respondents through face-to-face interviews, RPMD stressed that the results are statistically reliable with a margin of error of +/- 1 percent and a confidence level of 95 percent, clearly reflecting public opinion in the province.

Mayor Shimura, in a statement, expressed his gratitude to his partners in the local government unit, including Vice Mayor Elver Ali Abucay, department heads, barangay captains, barangay officials in the town, as well as his constituents.

I always say, everything we do as public servants or even in corporate and in private, its always that collective and collaborative efforts that makes is successful, said Shimura.

For his part, Mayor Suan said that this recognition is a testament of all the hardwork and dedication in the name of public service.

Serving our constituents has been a lifelong passion and I will continue to serve Cordovanhons with integrity and transparency. I share this achievement to all the hardworking men and women of LGU Cordova, Suan added.

Tuburan Mayor Diamante said as the father of the town, he is proud and happy of his recent feat.

Kini dili ni para akoa kundi para kanatong tanan. Dili mahimung mabulukon ug magpalampuson ang atuang mga proyekto ug damgo sa lungsod kung wala ang inyung pagsalig ug kooperasyon. Daghan pa kaayu tang mga maanindot nga programa ug planu busa magpadayun kita sa pag ampo ug pag tinabangay para sa kaayuhan sa atuang lungsod ug kaugmaun sa mga kabataan, Diamante said.

Mayor Salimbangon, who was surprised for the recognition, expressed gratitude to God and his constituents.

Salimbangon, son of former Cebu Fourth District Representative Benhur Salimbangon, admitted that being a mayor is hard, which is why he thinks his father did not run for mayor. But the young Salingbamgom said he is just glad he has fulfilled his promise in the last election which includes solving the water problem in his town. — /ATO