Nava, Gumarin Families Eyeing Guimaras’ Top Seats

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan and Mariela Angella Oladive

The Nava family looks set to maintain its political dominance in Guimaras, with incumbent lone district representative Lucille Ledesma-Nava and Governor Joaquin Carlos Rahman Nava switching positions in 2025.

The couple filed their certificates of candidacy at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor in Jordan on Tuesday, October 8, the final day for nationwide filings.

Board Member Cecile Gumarin, wife of Buenavista Mayor and former Governor Samuel Gumarin, will run as Lucille Nava’s vice-gubernatorial candidate.

Governor Nava held the congressional seat for three terms from 2007 to 2016, followed by his wife, who has served as the representative since 2016.

The congressional seat was created in 1991 under Republic Act No. 7160, separating Guimaras from Iloilo’s 2nd District. It was first contested in 1995 and held by Nava patriarch Catalino, who served for five months before his death in December of that year.

Other past representatives include former Governor Emily Relucio-Lopez (1998-2001) and Edgar Espinosa (2001-2007).

Lopez was also the first Guimaras governor when it separated from Iloilo as a sub-province in 1992. She was succeeded by the current governor from 1998 to 2007.

Felipe Hilan Nava, the governor’s brother, served as Guimaras governor from 2007 to 2013 but lost to Samuel Gumarin in 2013 after the siblings had a falling out. He is running for re-election as board member in 2025.

Felipe’s daughter, Anna Philippa, is the newest Nava in the political arena, running for Jordan vice mayor. A former public relations officer for the governor and assistant at the Department of Public Works and Highways-Region 6, she recently completed her Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Agustin and graduated with a degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from Ateneo de Manila University. She left her work at the capitol to focus on the 2024 Bar Examinations.

Anna Philippa will run alongside incumbent Vice Governor John Edward Gando, who is seeking to unseat Jordan Mayor Cresente Chavez Jr., who filed for re-election on Tuesday.

Governor Nava said their team would not field candidates for mayor and vice mayor in Sibunag, despite running a full slate in the other four towns. He emphasized the importance of continuing development programs initiated during his term.

“Our aim is to continue our various programs in Guimaras. In my term as governor, we launched the Kabataan FIRST agenda, and we will continue that with a [potential] Governor Lucille,” said Nava.

He further highlighted plans to improve the province’s economy, health services, and infrastructure, particularly with the potential Panay-Negros bridge project.

Lucille Nava also noted their focus on upgrading Guimaras’ healthcare system, aiming to reduce the need for residents to travel to Iloilo City for medical services.

The couple filed under the National Unity Party (NUP) and are joined by Board Member Cecile Gumarin, who will run for vice governor. The NUP’s slate for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan includes:

1st District (Buenavista, San Lorenzo):

• Art Cartel
• Raymund Gavillino
• Perfecto Habaña Jr.
• Ariel Zambarrano

2nd District (Jordan, Sibunag, Nueva Valencia):

• Alex Araneta
• Atty. Paul Dela Cruz
• Marilyn Edang
• Felipe Hilan Nava

Governor Nava reiterated their commitment to the Kabataan FIRST Agenda, emphasizing increased funding for youth education, employment, and livelihood.

“We’ve ensured that the budget for the youth is prioritized to create more opportunities for education, employment, and livelihood,” he said.

His wife echoed his sentiments, adding that their developmental goals align and that much work remains to be done in fostering trade, investment, and integrated development for the province.