RPMD lists top first-term city mayors in PH

The RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD) released the findings of its latest independent and non-commissioned “Boses ng Bayan” survey, which meticulously evaluated the performance of top government officials, including the President, Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker, Cabinet officials, Senators, Congressmen, Governors, and City Mayors.

These results unveil the exceptional achievements of the top performing first-term city mayors in the Philippines, showcasing their commendable leadership and significant contributions to their respective cities.

The report emphasizes the exceptional performance of Mayors Eric Singson of Candon City (92.8%), Jeannie Sandoval of Malabon (91.9%), Along Malapitan of Caloocan (91.8%), and John Rey Tiangco of Navotas City (91.82%).

These mayors have exemplified remarkable leadership, and it is noteworthy that they are statistically tied for first place, representing a collective display of effective governance and unwavering commitment to progress in their respective cities, RPMD said in a statement.

Trailing closely behind are the second-ranked first-term city mayors in the Philippines, including Mayor Denver Chua of Cavite (88.85%) and Mayor Indy Oaminal Jr. of Ozamis (88.78%).

The third position is secured by the impressive performances of Mayor Bambol Tolentino of Tagaytay (88.29%), Mayor Lucy Torres of Ormoc (87.91%), Mayor Geraldine Rosal of Legaspi (87.55%), and Mayor Sheen Tan of Santiago (87.42%).

The ranks further extend to Mayor Albee Benitez of Bacolod (83.72%), Mayor Pao Evangelista of Kidapawan (83.57%), Mayor Joy Pascual of Gapan (83.48%), Mayor Bruce Matabalao of Cotabato (83.16%), and Mayor Henry Villarica of Meycauayan (83.12%), securing the fourth position.

Notably, Mayor Jane Yap of Tagbilaran (82.15%), Mayor Baste Duterte of Davao (82.11%), Mayor Bullet Jalosjos of Dapitan (81.92%), Mayor Paul Dumlao of Surigao (81.73%), Mayor John Dalipe of Zamboanga (81.56%), and Mayor Marilou Morillo of Calapan (81.32%) shine brightly in the fifth spot.

The assessment of first-term city mayors in the Philippines holds immense significance as it evaluates their ability to lead and fulfill campaign promises, thereby fostering accountability, transparency, and the fulfillment of obligations to the public.

Early identification of strengths and weaknesses empowers mayors to receive support for improvement and better serve their constituents, ultimately enhancing public trust and confidence in the government.

Dr. Paul Martinez, Executive Director of RPMD, emphasized the importance of transparency and the commitment to assessing leadership performance in promoting effective governance.

The performance assessment parameters encompass policy implementation, service delivery, financial management, stakeholder engagement, transparency and anti-corruption measures, public relations and communication, and community development efforts.

These parameters serve as a comprehensive framework to evaluate the mayors’ prowess in translating campaign promises into actionable policies, delivering essential public services, exhibiting responsible financial management, engaging with stakeholders effectively, ensuring transparency, communicating adeptly, and promoting holistic community development.

Phyns Patalinghug, political analyst of RPMD, highlighted the significance of these parameters in assessing the mayors’ overall performance.

The “Top Performing First-term City Mayors” survey was conducted as part of the more extensive “RPMD’s Boses ng Bayan” national poll from February 25 to March 8, 2023, by RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc.

This comprehensive survey covered all districts in each region, encompassing 10,000 randomly selected registered voter respondents. The survey achieved a sampling margin of error of ±1 percent with a 95% confidence level.

Respondents were randomly chosen, and the distribution was proportional to the official voting population data.