KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Undersecretary Esnaen Catong, Deputy Director-General of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), recognized South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo “Jun” Tamayo Jr.’s efforts in reducing poverty in the countryside, calling him one of the “pillars of the Republic of the Philippines” in the area of good governance.
“Many people may not know that Governor Jun Tamayo is one of the pillars of the Republic of the Philippines — particularly in the realm of good governance,” Catong said during the governor’s birthday celebration.
Catong emphasized that Governor Tamayo’s leadership extends beyond South Cotabato, highlighting his significant influence at the national level, particularly in guiding and strengthening local government units (LGUs) nationwide.
“We are fortunate to have Governor Jun Tamayo at the helm of Philippine governance through the local government units,” he added.
Governor Tamayo currently serves as President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), Chairman of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), and National President of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).
He also holds a key national role as Vice Chairperson of the National Anti-Poverty Commission.
Catong further credited Tamayo as the “Father of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP),” the country’s first local poverty reduction framework, which has since been adopted as a model by various local government units nationwide.
According to Catong, Governor Tamayo’s leadership—based on transparency, accountability, and people-centered governance—continues to motivate LGUs and build public trust in government institutions.
“The country truly deserves Governor Jun Tamayo,” Catong concluded, recognizing his significant contributions to nation-building and promoting good governance.
The Office of the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator reported that all municipalities in South Cotabato have advanced beyond the 3rd to 5th income classifications, indicating ongoing local economic growth.
The comments from a senior NAPC official highlight the increasing national recognition of Governor Tamayo’s leadership and South Cotabato’s reputation as a model of good governance and effective anti-poverty efforts initiatives.
