The political career of Mayor Romulo Cabana of Leon, Iloilo (1992-2001)

Abstract

This is the study on the political career of Romulo C. Cabana, a three-term municipal mayor of Leon, Iloilo (1992-2001). The objectives of the study were: to trace Romulo Cabana’s ascendancy as the top executive of the Municipality of Leon, which includes his inherent qualities, political affiliations, socio-economic position, educational background and strategies that led to his election as mayor; to assess Mayor Cabana’s political philosophies and leanings, and; to make a comparison between the programs of the Municipal Government and what were accomplished. To achieve these objectives, the researchers used the following methods: an archival research, which includes materials contained in the different agencies of the local government, and the local library of the Municipality of Leon; interview with key informants, which includes the mayor himself and a number of local constituents who have the knowledge and experience associating with Mayor Cabana. The researchers have found out, that as a political leader, Romulo Cabana, has inherent qualities and characteristics that led his career to a three-term mayor of the Municipality of Leon. He has the willingness to serve his constituents, especially those who are less fortunate in the society. His socio-economic background had further induced and strengthened his cause for the “masa” or the ordinary people. Mayor Cabana’s political career had once proved that, political strategies and affiliations were secondary if not only to serve as a background to public service and societal responsibilities. With his career he also proved that experience and practicability is more worth than the highest educational attainment or status. With his unique political repertoire and humanistic charisma, many of his constituents in Leon had described him as the most “loved,” and the most respected municipal mayor in Leon to date. And with few critics on the opposite side, Mayor Cabana did his job steadfastly with a vision for growth and development of the Municipality of Leon.