Rep. Migz Villafuerte’s legacy in the 19th Congress
Camarines Sur’s Fifth District Representative, Miguel Luis Villafuerte, fondly known as “Migz” to his constituents, is a young Filipino politician who has carved his path in the country’s political landscape. Many know him for his good looks and fairytale-like love story with Miss Universe Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters.
Nevertheless, he rose to national prominence by becoming the youngest elected governor in Philippine history at 24, leading his home province of Camarines Sur from 2013 to 2022.
During his three terms as governor, Rep. Villafuerte focused on various initiatives, including infrastructure development, education reform, and promoting tourism in the province. He was known for his hands-on approach and commitment to bringing progress to his constituents.
He comes from a family deeply involved in public service. He is the grandson of former governor and congressman Luis Villafuerte, and his father, Luis Raymund Villafuerte, also served as governor of Camarines Sur. The then-young Rep. Villafuerte saw his father’s efforts for the district as inspiring, and he felt it was his responsibility to continue his legacy–all while making a name for himself.
Fuelled by a passion for public service, Rep. Villafuerte entered politics at a young age. He graduated with a degree in Political Science from the University of San Diego before returning to the Philippines to begin his political career. Nonetheless, the district representative knew he had to establish his roots to become an effective leader. He assimilated himself with his constituents to interact with them and witness their problems firsthand so he could formulate the necessary solutions.
Besides his time as governor and now district representative, the Camarines Sur solon also served in several positions, including Vice President for Luzon in the League of Provinces of the Philippines, Bicol Region.
His other appointments were being the Climate Change Ambassador for the Philippines, Delegation Head for the Seventh Delegation of Politicians Representing the Philippines at the Australian Political Exchange Council, and founder of the Visionary Organization of Young Chief Executives (VOYCE). The district representative undoubtedly has a colorful history and experiences in different political positions and organizations.
While in position, Rep. Villafuerte remains a shining example that age isn’t a limitation for someone like him who has innate leadership skills. Instead, he uses it to his advantage to connect with his constituents. For instance, Rep. Villafuerte leverages his social media presence to keep the public updated and share any progress regarding their welfare. He also remains tireless in providing non-stop service and development to Camarines Sur’s fifth district, something his public is grateful for, especially at a time when accuracy and speed are highly valued.
On the other hand, when he’s not out on the streets of the Rinconada District, Rep. Villafuerte also exhibits his political prowess and passion for public service in the House of Representatives, especially in the 19th Congress. He is Vice Chairman of three committees: Local Government, Information and Communications Technology, and Agriculture and Food.
In the meantime, he is a member of several committees: Disaster Resilience, Interparliamentary Relations and Diplomacy, Youth and Sports Development, Appropriations, Legislative Franchises, Basic Education and Culture, Games and Amusements, Public Works and Highways, Creative Industries, Tourism, West Philippine Sea, Population and Family Relations. He loves to keep busy and share his ideas and insights with the said committees to further their progressive agendas.
With his new mandate in the Lower Chamber, Rep. Villafuerte intends to fully use his political position to achieve genuine and lasting reforms, especially in his beloved Rinconada District. His priority legislative concerns include the following: social justice, education, sports, good governance, environmental protection, strengthening community resilience, and accelerating digitalization in the country.
He is the principal author of 408 bills and co-authored 16 others in the 19th Congress. Nonetheless, the House of Representatives passed eight bills into law, which were inclined to his priorities.
Some of the bills that became law include Republic Act 11934: An Act Requiring the Registration of Subscriber Identity Module, Republic Act 11935: Postponement of the December 2022 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, and Republic Act 11958: An Act Rationalizing the Disability Pension of Veterans, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 6948, Entitled, “An Act Standardizing and Upgrading the Benefits for Military Veterans and Their Beneficiaries,” as Amended, Republic Act 11960: An Act Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development through the Institutionalization of “One Town, One Product” Philippines Program and Appropriating Funds Therefore, and Republic Act 11961: An Act Strengthening the Conservation and Protection of Philippine Cultural Heritage Through Cultural Mapping and an Enhanced Cultural Heritage Education Program, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 10066, Otherwise Known as the “National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.”
Just recently, two more of his principally authored bills became enacted laws. These are Republic Act 11982 or the Amendments to the Centenarians Act of 2016, which grants benefits to octogenarians and nonagenarians, and Republic Act 11981: RA 11981, or the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act.
Meanwhile, Rep. Villafuerte has several projects lined up for the Rinconada District for 2024. Besides flood control, road concreting, and other infrastructure projects, he envisions beginning or completing initiatives on road networks, road access, and bypasses across the district. Fortunately, with the help of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Rep. Villafuerte’s administration can realize their Multi-Year Road Vision Project for his district, with many areas being fast-tracked to ensure their completion for his constituents’ convenience.
Rep. Villafuerte’s performance has undoubtedly inspired and caught the attention of government agencies, surveys, and awarding bodies since he takes a lot on his plate but doesn’t seem to tire from being his constituents’ champion.
Some notable recognitions came from the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. and its surveys. It began with him being the 3rd Top Performing Congressman in Region V from November to December 2022, then followed in 2023 with acknowledgments as 2nd Top Performing Congressman in Region V and 4th Top Performing Neophyte Congressman in the Philippines from February to March 2023, and 4th Top Performing Congressman in Bicol Region from June 25 to July 5, 2023.
On the other hand, Rep. Villafuerte also became the Stargate PeopleAsia’s People of the Year in 2022, the first and only Governor in the Philippines with the Most Number of Local Colleges Established and Operated, Superbrands Most Outstanding Governor in 2018, and People Asia’s Men Who Matter in 2014.
Government agencies like the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Health (DOH) also awarded Rep. Villafuerte for his efforts. The latter named him the Unsung Hero of Typhoon Yolanda.
As a congressman, Rep. Villafuerte continues to advocate for his district’s needs while contributing to national legislation. His political journey is still unfolding, and he remains a young and dynamic figure in the Philippine political scene, carrying the torch of his family’s legacy while building his unique path.