Gwen still top performing governor in the country

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia remains the “top performing governor in the Philippines” based on the second quarter “Boses ng Bayan” survey conducted by the RP-Mission Development (RPMD) Foundation, Inc.

Garcia, who is seeking reelection in the 2025 midterm elections, ranked number 1 among the 81 governors in the country with an exceptional job satisfaction rating of 94.5%. She bested her own personal record of 93.8% during the first quarter survey.

RPMD executive director Paul Martinez highlighted the exceptional leadership of Garcia, emphasizing her unparalleled commitment to hands-on governance.

Martinez cited that “Garcia is the only governor able to regularly visit all municipalities and cities within her province, directly consulting her constituents and local leaders”.

Her policies, Martinez said, which frequently result from these grassroots consultations, have received widespread support due to this strong relationship with the community and municipal leaders.

Martinez noted that this direct and inclusive approach has been vital to Garcia's success, allowing her to maintain strong backing from her mayors and constituents.

“It reflects a leadership style grounded in accessibility, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of her province's needs, further solidifying her position as the top-performing Governor in the country,” Martinez said.

According to RPMD, the evaluation encompasses six key performance indicators-- leadership and governance, economic development and infrastructure, social welfare and public services, public safety and security, environmental management and sustainability, and public satisfaction and engagement.

Each category highlights a fundamental element of the governor’s leadership and public service.

Martinez added that despite Cebu's vast scope, with its 44 municipalities and six cities,  Garcia has consistently engaged with local stakeholders, ensuring that her initiatives and programs are well-coordinated and effectively implemented.

RPMD added that the “Boses ng Bayan" nationwide survey, which engaged 10,000 respondents through face-to-face interviews, guarantees high accuracy. With a margin of error of ±1% and a 95% confidence level, the survey results are reliable and reflect public sentiment nationwide.  — (FREEMAN)