One Fine Day in Dumarao
Tapaz' s Jeanette Gimeno, Au Palomar,
Gov. Tanco, Nelly Weiss and Fatima Tanco.
Not too fond of going out of town on a long drive, one fine day I found myself one taking a ride in an air conditioned tourist bus to the Province of Capiz, the seafood capital of the Philippines and the garden center of Panay Island. Upon the invitations of the irrepressible hostess of Tapaz, Tita Au Palomar, and of course, by the respected and well-loved Honorable Victor Arancillo Tanco, the charming Governor of Capiz, I just simply can't turn it down. I was to attend the fiesta celebration of the Municipality of Dumarao, which is the governor's hometown.
Governor Tanco with the former Mayor Carolina
Bayot of Mambusao.
Dumarao is a third class genteel municipality in the Second Congressional District of Capiz with 33 barangays. According to the 2000 census it has a population of 40,303 people in 7,993 households. It was originally founded in 1580 and officially established by the Spaniards under the advocacy of Our Lady of Snows.
Governor Tanco is a four-term mayor of this town from 1980-1998. Before this, he was elected councilor in 1971 ranking number one, that to date sums up 30 years plus of public service. Educated at the prestigious University of the Philippines in Diliman with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration, he was recently awarded during the UP Visayas Centennial Celebration with a Presidential Award for Public Service.
Au Palomar with Jamindan Mayor Ethel Jinon
He is the 20th governor since the American established, more than a century ago, the civil government of Capiz. He ran unopposed during the May 2007 elections. He served as vice governor under then Governor Bermejo from 1998-2007.
As Governor of Capiz, which comprises Roxas City and 16 municipalities, in the next three years, Tanco's experience as municipal mayor and presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will be put to good use. Most approachable and with a sunny smile, the governor surely knows what is best for his province.
The governor is married to the affable Fatima Lademora with whom he has four lovely children namely, JR, Faith, Blue and Hope.
Au Palomar with Mayor of Panit-an Kit Abelo
I had a great time during my short visit to Dumarao having been entertained by the very accommodating First Lady Fatima, the scrumptious lunch served with all the sea foods galore and meeting all those movers and shakers of Capiz and its beautiful and kind people. I don't mind going back to Capiz anytime my dear. Cheers!