Governor Garcia, Cebu execs shine in latest RPMD survey for Central Visayas

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu officials headed by Gov. Gwen Garcia topped in the latest RPMD Foundation survey, dubbed as “Boses ng Bayan."

Garcia lead as top performer among the governors in Central Visayas, with an approval rating of 94.8%.

“Her constituents lauded her for exemplary governance, strategic leadership, and implementing impactful programs addressing Cebu's growing needs. This remarkable score solidifies her position as an icon of public service excellence, consistently admired for her commitment to her province,” said RPMD in their Facebook page post.

Seven legislators in Cebu tied on the top spot as top performing representatives in Central Visayas.

Leading the pack in the top Tier 1 category are Fifth District Rep. Duke Frasco  (92.8%), Third District Rep. Pablo John Garcia (92.6%), First District Rep. Rhea Gullas (92.4%), Mandaue City Lone District Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon (92.3%), Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Rep. Cindi King- Chan (92.1%), Cebu City South District Rep. Edu Rama Jr. (92.0%), and Sixth District Rep.  Daphne Lagon (91.9%).

“Their rankings represent a statistical tie, underscoring their shared excellence in public service,” RPMD said.

Fourth District Rep. Janice Salimbangon ( 83.2%), Second District Rep. Edsel Galeos (82.5%), and Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel Del Mar (82.3%) were all ranked on the fourth spot, while Seventh District Rep. Peter John Calderon (80.2%) is on top five.

Dr. Paul Martinez, Global Affairs Analyst and Executive Director of RPMD, commended the exemplary performance of Central Visayas representatives.

"The representatives in this region consistently demonstrate outstanding dedication and leadership, as reflected in the overwhelming approval ratings from their constituents. Those in the top Tier 1 category deserve high praise and warm congratulations for their unwavering commitment to public service,” Martinez said.

Meanwhile, for the best performing mayors in Cebu Province, in a statistical tie for the top one are Mayor Rajiv Enad of Minglanilla, who scored 89.7%; Mayor Cesar Suan of Cordova, who scored 89.5%; Mayor Aljew Frasco of Liloan, who scored 89.2%; Mayor Pablo John Garcia IV of Barili, who scored 88.9%; and Mayor Ace Binghay of Balamban, who secured an 88.7% approval rating.

The survey also highlighted a competitive second tier, shared by Mayor Aljun Diamante of Tuburan, who garnered an 87.3% approval rate, and Mayor Ronnie Cesante of Dalaguete, with 87.1%. Mayor Sun Shimura of Daanbantayan occupied the third rank at 86%, and Mayor Arthur Despi of Bantayan, with 85.8%.

Mayor Inocentes Cabaron of Moalboal ranked fourth place, with an 84.3% rating. The fifth rank saw a tie between Mayor Ronald Guaren of Oslob and Mayor Allan Sesaldo of Argao, scoring 83.1% and 82.6%, respectively.

In the sixth place was Mayor Joven Mondigo Jr. of Medellin, 81.4%, and Mayor Greman Solante, 81.2%.

Mayor Felijur Quino of Compostela ranked seventh, with an 80% approval rating, while Mayor Efren Gica of Dumanjug ranked eighth at 78.8%.

In the ninth place were Mayor Gilberto Magallon of Alegria and Mayor Manuel Santiago of Pilar, who scored 77.5% and 77.3%, respectively.

Mayor Teresa Alegado of Consolacion completed the top 10, who achieved a 76.1% approval rating.

According to RPMD, the survey methodology included random sampling and face-to-face interviews with over 10,000 respondents between October 1-10, 2024. — (FREEMAN)