South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. has been elected president of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), a significant organization that unites provincial governments across the country. His election took place during the LPP’s general assembly, held in Manila, where he succeeded Marinduque Governor Presbitero Velasco Jr. Tamayo’s new role places him at the forefront of efforts to enhance regional governance and development.

Tamayo’s leadership comes at a critical time as the LPP focuses on strengthening provincial autonomy and addressing local issues. One of his immediate priorities is to address infrastructure and disaster management practices. Notably, Tamayo has previously vetoed a provincial board ordinance lifting the ban on open-pit mining, highlighting his commitment to environmental conservation.

The new LPP president also plays a pivotal role in national politics as the president of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, the political party that supported President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s candidacy in 2022. Tamayo’s leadership in both the LPP and the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas places him in a strategic position to influence national and regional policy directions.

In another part of the country, Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza recently called out the National Power Corporation (Napocor) for its management of hydroelectric dams in Bukidnon. Mendoza blamed the release of water from these dams for causing severe floods in Cotabato, displacing over 13,500 families and affecting key agricultural areas. She urged for better coordination between Napocor and local governments to prevent future flooding and emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements under the Mindanao River Basin Development Plan.

These events highlight the dynamic and challenging roles that provincial governors play in the Philippines, balancing regional interests with broader national policies. The leadership of figures like Tamayo and Mendoza is crucial in navigating these complexities and ensuring the welfare of their constituents.

Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. is the Governor of South Cotabato in the Philippines and the recently elected president of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP). He has a notable political career both at the provincial and national levels.

1. Governor of South Cotabato: Tamayo’s governance in South Cotabato has been characterized by a strong stance on environmental conservation and local governance improvements. He gained attention for vetoing a provincial ordinance that would have lifted a ban on open-pit mining, emphasizing environmental protection.
2. President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP): Elected as the head of the LPP, Tamayo is now leading an organization that represents the collective interests of provincial governments across the Philippines. This role involves advocating for policies that support provincial autonomy and development.
3. Role in National Politics: Tamayo also serves as the president of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, the political party that backed Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 2022 presidential election. His dual roles in both local and national politics enable him to have a significant impact on governance and policy-making.

Tamayo comes from a politically engaged family. His father, Reynaldo Tamayo Sr., was a former regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways and was implicated in a controversy involving public works funds, which the younger Tamayo has publicly addressed.

Tamayo’s leadership style is marked by a commitment to reform and transparency, with a focus on addressing local issues while also contributing to broader national discussions on governance and policy.