Surigao del Norte, a province in the northeastern corner of Mindanao, Philippines, is a living testament to its rich history and captivating beauty. As the second northernmost province in Mindanao, it has been a crucial commerce and transportation hub for centuries, connecting the islands of Visayas and Mindanao through ferries traversing the Surigao Strait.
Officially established in 1960, the province is now under the Caraga region and is known for its mainland area and the paradisiacal islands of Siargao and Bucas Grande. It is a place to be proud of, inspiring appreciation for its heritage and natural wonders.
The provincial capital, Surigao City, serves as the administrative center and a jump-off point for exploring the province’s many wonders. It’s part of the province’s Second Congressional District, which also includes the municipalities of Alegria, Bacuag, Claver, Gigaquit, Mainit, Malimono, Placer, San Francisco, Sison, Tagana-an, and Tubod.
In the House of Representatives, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, the son of the illustrious late DILG Secretary and Senator Robert Barbers, carries on his family’s legacy of public service, instilling a sense of continuity and trust in his advocacy for the welfare of Surigao del Norte’s second district.
Rep. Barbers, a man of academic prowess, earned his bachelor’s degree at De La Salle University and his Master’s degree in Public Administration at the prestigious University of the Philippines, Diliman. This educational background not only showcases his qualifications but also instills confidence in his ability to serve, making him a strong advocate for good governance.
At a young age, Rep. Barbers succeeded his father in 1998 as Representative of the Second District of Surigao del Norte. Serving in the 11th, 12th, and 13th Congresses, he wasted no time and immediately buckled down to work. His early start in public service not only demonstrated his dedication, but also his natural blend with a group of young legislators with the same advocacy for good governance.
During his time in Congress, Rep. Barbers was elected Chairman of the Committee on Economic Affairs, where he authored the PERA Bill, which later became RA 9505. He also chaired the powerful Committee on Accounts for two terms. His contributions include being one of the principal authors of the Human Security Act, the predecessor of the Anti-Terror Law, the Magna Carta on Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) RA 9501, and co-author of many other bills that became laws. These achievements in Congress highlight his impact and dedication to good governance.
After his stint in Congress in 2007, Rep. Barbers became Governor of Surigao del Norte, where he continued the work of his brother, Governor Lyndon, on upgrading health care facilities, organizing province-wide Emergency Response Teams for calamities and aggressively promoting Siargao island as a tourist and surfing destination. Now Siargao is Siargao as we all know it, thanks to Governors Lyndon and Ace Barbers. He organized and created task forces to protect and guard the environment, such as Bantay Dagat and Bantay Kalikasan, and implemented social development programs in partnership with the mining companies in the province, Surigao del Norte being the country’s mining capital.
The esteemed district representative returned to Congress in 2016 and since then chaired the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, overseeing the centerpiece of the administration, the war against illegal drugs. Under his able chairmanship, the Committee was at the forefront of the investigations and legislation on illicit drugs. The Committee succeeded in having the House pass on the Third and Final Reading the Bills amending the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165) and the decades-old Anti-Wiretapping Act (RA 4200), to be relevant and responsive to the changing times.
In his return, he authored landmark bills that became significant components of several recent game-changing laws like the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931), the Philippine ID System (RA10928), the lowering of Inheritance and Donor’s taxes to 6% (RA 10963); granting additional benefits to solo parents (RA 11861) and, the law regulating e-cigarettes (RA11900). He continues to craft more game-changing bills like the Junior Citizen’s Act (HB 00067), the Anti-Epal Bill (HB 01535), the Anti-Political Butterfly Bill (HB 00070), the Philippine DNA Database System (HB 00072), the Public Payment System (HB 00097), Banning of the use of Single-used Plastic (HB 02372), Rainwater Installation System (HB 04837), Development and Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in the Philippines (HB 07396), and Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act (HB 08586) a bill so relevant especially in our province where wildlife abounds.
As of writing, Rep. Barbers principally authored 107 bills and co-authored 29 others.
The people of Surigao del Norte’s Second District undoubtedly have faith in Rep. Barbers’ staunch leadership, which he also extends to the rest of the Philippines. His dedication to his position is a testament to his passion for providing his fellow Filipinos with better opportunities in life.
