Mayor Edsel Galeos: Lihok Argao!

Although a first timer in the helter-skelter world of politics, Mayor Edsel Galeos has indeed brought spectacular and admirable developments in Argao, a second-class municipality that lies in the southern part of the Cebu province.   Born on March 12, 1959, Mayor Edsel was raised in a family of public school teachers and was a product of Argao's public school system. He spent his elementary years in Talo-ot Elementary School and obtained his high school diploma at Don Bosco Technical High School.  In 1979,   he accomplished a degree in civil engineering at the Cebu Institute of Technology in Cebu City. Then he tied the knot with Grace Flores Sarmago on September 8, 1989 and is blessed with three children.

In 1991, the mayor established his construction firm called the EG and I Construction Corp.: E stands for his name and his son Eron; G for his wife Grace and daughter Grazel and I for his eldest son, Ian.“

For 28 years, he worked as an engineer starting as construction foreman with DPWH Cebu 2nd Engineering District then moved to the Bureau of Forest Development Region VII as chief in the Engineering and Infrastructure Division and finally with Simplex Construction as Project Engineer, mentored by the late Engr. Antonio Mansueto. After gaining experience, he eventually shifted into high gear by engaging in private contracting in the last 20 years.

One of life's biggest challenges came when he was asked to run in the mayoralty race in the town of Argao while recovering from a serious illness. He however, admitted that he had some hesitation before he accepted to run in such race. However, the second chance to life granted him a strengthened resolve to serve the Argawanons.

"Pag-accept nako, naa koy' hesitations. Unsaon man nako pagdaog? I do not belong to a political family. Wala ko'y bailiwick. Wala tanan," the good mayor confessed.

This indecisiveness, nevertheless, was replaced with hope when his friends assured him that they would support him in his candidacy. "They assured me. Niingon sila nga naa mi mopaluyo nimo—so ako gi-accept," the mayor added. Finally, when the results of the 2007 election were revealed, he came out to be the new mayor of Argao. "It was a tsunami---not just a landslide of votes," the energetic mayor recalled.

He had his inaugural and acceptance speech in the same year. Speaking to an enormous crowd, Mayor Edsel pledged to uphold honesty, dedication, integrity and transparency before the citizens of Argao.

A year after he was elected into office, Mayor Edsel has remained true to his vow by creating big improvements in Argao. For instance, the mayor initiated the 4 Para sa 400 fund raising program in time for the town’s celebration of its 400th founding anniversary. Through the program, a person can donate any amount that begins with four: P4, P40, P400, P4000 and the like. The program seeks to raise funds for the town's anniversary celebration.

But the biggest and most beneficial project of the mayor so far is the town's Local Broadband Network. Through the LBN, the town was able to develop its budget and disbursement system and its business permit and licensing system, which shortened the processing of business permits to only an hour from the time of the application. A new government accounting system was also developed for the entire treasury operation.

Likewise, through the LBN, the townspeople were also able to savor the benefits of free telephone calls to the United States and Canada. By the end of this month, Mayor Edsel also hopes that the 13 coastal barangays of Argao will enjoy free wireless internet connection. "This is just the beginning. Soon, we will be implementing this for the entire municipality," the mayor said.

The town will also be developing its automated tax system wherein the people would pay their taxes in their respective barangays. "This is in response to the problem nga daghan mga Argawanon nga mas dako pa ang ilang magasto sa pag-ari sa lungsod compared to their taxes," the mayor disclosed, adding that he has asked Ben Momongan, Argao's IT consultant, to come up with a solution.

Just recently the huge Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Sports and Cultural Center was inaugurated by Sec. Cerge Remonde, Gov. Gwen Garcia and Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia, after which the launching of the book Argao 400 in Legend and History followed. Mayor Edsel was also able to deliver other projects like farm to market roads, ram pump water system, the Unity Plaza beautification and the children’s playground within his first 360 days in office.

"Lisod og kapoy apan wa ko nagmahay," he said. "Calling siguro ni sa Ginoo nako to serve the Argawanon. I am just so gifted and blessed that reliable people are always there with me," he added.

With much dedication and humility, Mayor Edsel continues his quest to inspire especially the youth of Argao whom he believes is the hope of the town. "I want to inspire the youth nga pwede gyud diay ta makahimo og dagkong butang," he said, beaming with optimism.

"Mao man gyud ni akong damgo sa Argao,nga ma-unite mi para sa kalamboan sa among pinalanggang lungsod. Mao bitaw na akong giingon nga 'Lihok, Argao! Kung dili ikaw, kinsa man? Kung dili karon, kanus-a man?"