Saturday, May 26, 2007

Youngest Mayor?

There is an interesting political twist in one of the northern towns of Bohol. Jose Jono Jumamoy was elected mayor of Inabanga, Bohol in the elections held last May 14, 2007. He is the son of third term mayor, Josephine Jumamoy, who was also elected Provincial Board Member of Bohol in the same elections. The twist? Jono is only 21 years old. Already, a local newspaper is speculating that he might just be the youngest mayor in the Philippines.

More twist. Before you cry political dynasty, know that Jono already has a double degree in Management and International Business at Northwood University at West Palm Beach, Florida. He gave up an opportunity to work in the US even after securing a work permit there and a position at the World Bank. He won by over 6,000 votes against his political opponent.

Inabanga is special to me because it is the hometown of my beloved mother. We've attended a lot of family reunions there. Will the town be seeing brighter days? I really hope so. Take note that Inabanga is also the hometown of Francisco Dagohoy, the Boholano who led the longest Philippine revolt against the Spanish rule.

13 comments:

PinoyHarbinger said...

Even if this guy has a double degree in Management and International Business at Northwood University at West Palm Beach, Florida it is still a political dynasty ( the linked article says he grew up from a family of politicians). Are you equating that having a degree from a foreign university would justify or rather exempt them from being labeled accused of building a Political dynasty?

Anyways, I'm not slamming this family because I clearly have no idea of their political records, but I do commend this young mayor for giving up his working visa in the US to serve his town. Until after the ruckus has calmed down let's see if he'll do any good as a politician.

Peace!

Gibo said...

yeah, you are right. it is still a political dynasty. what i meant is that you cannot very easily say that he won because he is part of a political dynasty. even if he is young, his education and his sacrifice could have helped him win even if he was not the son of the former mayor. now he has the opportunity to prove to his townmates that he can give them better governance. otherwise, he should just have stayed in the u.s. :)

Anonymous said...

Yeah. He has to prove it. I mean, it's not about being the most intelligent freak in thw world. I think it's more on attitude towards people, your morale, principles and belief. You couldn't just get away with being young and irresponsible. It's a town a with people, real people who may just be in need of development for themselves. I hope he could provide that development.

nursebol-anon said...

When all of these hoopla about his tender age and family connection dies down, we shall see what Jono Jumamoy can bring to the table. Let's all give him a chance.Jono is a passionate young man with a clear agenda to help develop Inabanga and its people. He is well prepared, he has the drive and now he has the support of the Inabangnons in Inabanga and here in the US !

Anonymous said...

Mr. Jumamoy's election as Mayor of Inabanga shows the immaturity of the people who voted for him, who are still beholden by money and patronage politics. It's political dynasty at its worst, to say the least.

First, what has his family done for the town in their reign? People are still impoverished. There is lack of a proper water system, although there is an abundant supply. Barangay roads are a pity. Swertres and illegal gambling are flourishing. Inabanga has become virtually a Jumamoy Family Business, with the parents choosing their children as heir to the business. If the people want progress, why not look for an alternative? Wala na ba jud lain gawas anang pamilyaha?

Second, what can a 21-year old do as Mayor? Even if he has those double-majors, he still lacks the maturity and the experience. If you look around, the only things that 21-year olds think about is partying, having fun,internet gaming, etc..... Is it wise to hire a 21 year old as CEO of a corporation? or better yet, as Mayor of a town? Has he even studied the Local Government Code, for a start?

Peace, dudes......

Gibo said...

haha. thanks inabanganon. i really can't disagree as i am totally unaware of the jumamoys' performance in inabanga. of course, there is always an advantage/disadvantage issue in having a young leader. on one side they are not as mature and sometimes irresponsible, on the other side they are more idealistic and open to new ideas. as i said, we may have to wait and see what will rule in this case.

Anonymous said...

i speak as someone who knows jono as a guy with pure heart and with a genuine soul of someone so passionate. knowing him way way back before he even thought of entering politics already have proved me of someone who isnt only nice because status dictates him to do so. he is someone who is not "plastic" in any way. he is genuinely nice to anyone and just everyone. he is a loyal friend and he will always stand by you no matter what. i speak as someone who is not of level of jono or even far from his status in life. i just had the priviledge to know him well years back. it is not fair to judge him because i know those people who speak ill of him are clearly people who do not know him well and his capacity to lead and to govern. he has lots of brilliant and possible ideas for his people and i know that he got those way before he got that double degree somewhere. i am sure that inabanga is such a lucky place to have him because, not being biased, he trully has the heart of a true leader and and honest soul..

p.s. i know that people are already getting tired of the system so they directly judge people like jono of such things.. i dont blame you for being such but youd just have to give him this chance.. and i bet 100-20 for it...

Anonymous said...

The opinions displayed here regarding this exciting development in Philippine governance and politics just shows the concern and care that Filipinos have all over the world for their town/country which is commendable to say the least and a practice we should keep alive. kudos! ;p I respect each and everyone's comments but to be honest,regardless if it's political dynasty or not, elections are over and now only time will tell if the people's decision was all for the best. Jono is young, he is far from perfect and he is human. He will make mistakes along the way for sure but if it is any consolation to those in doubt, my encounters (although limited) with this history-maker tell me Inabanga is in good hands. He is serious about this life-changing decision he has made and he came with a solid platform that might just be what their town needs to prosper. Now, more than ever, this brave young leader needs all the help and support he can get from us to make his plans for his town a reality. Mayor Jono Jumamoy, to you Godspeed and all the best! You have our support and know that to the youth, you are a beacon of hope that the future indeed belongs to us, that we can make a difference and make the world a better place to live in. Make us prouder! ;p

Anonymous said...

i dnt lyk him as a mayor of my town,hs nt cute.gus2 q c superman.ha ha...

Anonymous said...

i dnt lyk him as a mayor of my town,hs nt cute.gus2 q c superman.ha ha...

Anonymous said...

i dn lyk him as a mayor of my town,hs nt cute,gus2 q c superman,,ha ah ah////

Anonymous said...

by the way,wla ko gus2 tell,i dnt care,lets dance n sing it....ALIS DYAN JONO!!!!

Anonymous said...

by the way,wla ko gus2 tell,i dnt care,lets dance n sing it....ALIS DYAN JONO!!!!