Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino II is a dedicated public leader who has devoted his 30-year career to serving the public. His unwavering commitment to understanding the public’s problems and providing viable solutions has made him a catalyst for change and earned the trust of his constituents.
He started as Barangay Kagawad from 1994 to 1995 in Barangay Diego Silang, Butuan City. He became a City Councilor for two consecutive terms from 1995 to 2001. After that, Rep. Aquino joined the Executive Branch as the Deputy Presidential Assistant for Mindanao under the Office of the President until 2003 and served as the Assistant Secretary for Mindanao of the Mindanao Economic Development Council from 2003 to 2007.
Rep. Aquino’s impressive track record and commitment to service led the people of Butuan City and Las Nieves to elect him as their voice in the House of Representatives for two consecutive terms from 2007 to 2013. His return to the House of Representatives in the recently concluded elections, chosen again by the people of Butuan and Las Nieves, marks a new chapter in his ongoing dedication to his constituents.
On August 30, 2024, Rep. Aquino was elected Chairman of the Committee on Public Information in the 19th Congress. He is committed to provide effective leadership and direction to ensure that the Committee fulfills its mandate in producing and disseminating proper information to the public through all forms of mass communications and media for the benefit of the Filipino people.
Under his trademark GWAPONG PANERBISYO, Rep. Aquino has implemented a range of programs and projects that have significantly improved the lives of his constituency in the 1st district of Agusan del Norte, demonstrating his commitment to make a positive impact.
Rep. Aquino’s commitment to social services is evident in his efforts to uplift the lives of his constituents in marginalized sectors. His investment of P659,210,896.97 into social services has directly benefited 100,993 beneficiaries, demonstrating the tangible impact of his work.
As a champion of education and youth development, Rep. Aquino was instrumental in passing Republic Act No. 9854, which established Caraga State University. The university constantly produces top notchers in various licensure examinations.
He also lobbied for the establishment of the College of Medicine at Caraga State University (CSU). He hosted the historic signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between CSU and Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in the House of Representatives. The college will help increase the number of physicians in the Caraga region and enhance the delivery of quality health services to Caraganons.
Rep. Aquino continues to support students’ education by granting educational assistance to students through the Tulong Dunong Program and one-time Student Monetary Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) of CHED.
On the other hand, With his experience and expertise in local government and legislation, Rep. Aquino is one of the most active legislators in the 19th Congress. He was also recognized among the top-performing representatives across all regions with an impressive rating of 81.4 percent, obtained by the RPMD Foundation Inc., showing his dedication to serve his constituents and the Filipinos.
Moreover, the district representative played a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations as a district representative. He was part of the Philippine Delegation led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez during multiple visits to the United States and also joined President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s delegation on his official visit to Japan, fostering socioeconomic development and mutual defense treaties.
As Chairperson of the Committee on Public Information, Rep. Aquino conducted a joint meeting with the Committee on Information and Communications Technology, chaired by Rep. Tobias Tiangco, regarding the country’s continuous cybersecurity attacks against government domains.
Several proposed measures were also approved in various meetings of the Committee, particularly the bills on mandating government offices to adopt the use of plain language in English, Filipino, and other local languages to effectively communicate information policies and programs to the public clearly and understandably, thus reaching more people across the country, and the Public Service Announcement Act, which requires broadcast media to air free public service announcements on critical public issues.
Rep. Aquino witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives to launch the eCongress, an integrated and secure digital legislative management system that seeks to provide the public with information on the workings, records, and performance of both chambers.
Armed with experience working with local and national governments, Rep. Aquino knew which areas in his community needed improvement. He hosted the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in Agusan del Norte. During the BPSF Fair, Rep. Aquino brought P300 million worth of programs and assistance to the province. More than 87,000 beneficiaries participated in the event, while 53 participating government agencies offered 301 services.
He also hosted the distribution of the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) in Butuan City, spearheaded by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., providing financial assistance worth P46.84 million with 4,684 beneficiaries each receiving 10,000 to help farmers and fisherfolks affected by El Niño. President Bongbong Marcos also turned over farm machinery and equipment to help promote the livelihood of the affected sectors.
The district representative likewise opened the Alagang Tingog Center (ATC) in partnership with Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez. This one-stop-shop center aims to bring cash, medical, burial, and educational assistance closer to people in Butuan City.
Ensuring development in the district, Rep. Aquino has implemented various constructions of multi-purpose buildings, covered courts, and school buildings.
In addressing the water crisis in Butuan, affecting agricultural, business, and industrial sectors, Rep. Aquino continuously discusses with concerned government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to provide solutions to the crisis.
Honed by his years of experience, Rep. Aquino’s unwavering commitment to his community and extensive experience in local and national government have made him an invaluable asset to the region. As he enters his third decade of public service, his legacy continues to inspire and shape the lives of countless individuals. A true visionary and servant leader, he has proven that dedication, integrity, and a passion to make a positive impact can leave a lasting mark on a community.
