Women mayors lead LMP–Iloilo for 2025–2028

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Badiangan Mayor Suzette A. Mamon was elected president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)–Iloilo Chapter for the 2025–2028 term during polls held on August 30.

She succeeds former San Enrique Mayor Suzette Trixie Fernandez, who previously served as chapter president.

Anilao Mayor Ma. Teresa F. Debuque was chosen as executive vice president, placing two women in the organization’s top leadership posts.

Other newly elected officers include Miag-ao Mayor Richard S. Garin Jr. as vice president for external and special concerns, San Joaquin Mayor Jose Abad S. Lazaro as secretary-general, and Alimodian Mayor Ian Kenneth A. Alfeche as treasurer.

Bingawan Mayor Matt P. Palabrica was elected auditor, Estancia Mayor Ma. Angelica Bianca Requinto as business manager, Zarraga Mayor Ma. Jofel M. Soldevilla as public relations officer, Mina Mayor Rey P. Grabato as sergeant-at-arms, and Tigbauan Mayor Virgilio T. Teruel as legal counsel.

The board of directors includes Guimbal Mayor Janette G. Colada and Igbaras Mayor Vicente E. Escorpion Jr. from the 1st District.

From the 2nd District are San Miguel Mayor Bonifacio Salapantan and Leon Mayor Ma. Lina C. Holipas.

The 3rd District is represented by Cabatuan Mayor Elizalde G. Pueyo and Pototan Mayor Rafael Enrique P. Lazaro.

For the 4th District, San Enrique Mayor Gian Carlo Niño P. Fernandez and Dueñas Mayor Robert Martin U. Pama were elected.

Sara Mayor Jon N. Aying and Barotac Viejo Mayor Nielo C. Tupas will represent the 5th District.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Carmelo F. Orbista, DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ernesto Servillón Jr., LMP Executive Director Andrea Loriaga, and interim LMP president and San Enrique Vice Mayor Trixie Fernandez witnessed the oath-taking.

Also in attendance were Iloilo Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr., USWAG Ilonggo Rep. James “Jojo” Ang, 3rd District Rep. Lorenz “Nonoy” Defensor, and former 2nd District Rep. Mike Gorriceta.