Former Mayor of Dulag, Leyte

Manuel “Boy” Sia Que served as the mayor of Dulag, a coastal municipality in Leyte province, Philippines. During his tenure, he led the town through significant challenges, notably the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November 2013.

Prior to the typhoon’s landfall, Mayor Que proactively urged residents, especially those in coastal barangays, to evacuate, emphasizing the storm’s potential severity. Despite these efforts, Dulag experienced substantial damage. Mayor Que recounted that during the typhoon, powerful winds and flying debris forced him to seek shelter in the municipal restroom, and the municipal hall suffered extensive damage, with roofs and doors blown away and windows shattered.

In the aftermath, under Mayor Que’s leadership, Dulag undertook significant rehabilitation efforts, including the repair of vital infrastructure such as the municipal hall and public market. These efforts aimed to restore normalcy and improve the resilience of the community against future disasters.

Additionally, Mayor Que was actively involved in promoting local culture and tourism. He participated in the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City, where Dulag’s Karatong Festival contingent secured fifth place in the Free Interpretation category. Mayor Que himself took part in the performance, highlighting his commitment to showcasing Dulag’s cultural heritage on a national platform.

As of the 2022 local elections, Mayor Que did not seek re-election. The mayoral candidates were Mildred Joy Que, presumably a relative, and Timmy Saño

Throughout his tenure, Mayor Manuel “Boy” Sia Que demonstrated proactive leadership, especially in disaster preparedness and cultural promotion, leaving a lasting impact on Dulag’s community and infrastructure.

Faustino Serrano’s time as mayor without access to extensive local archives or oral histories. However, I can construct a narrative based on his known involvement in establishing the Rural Bank of Dulag, which offers a glimpse into his leadership:

“In the late 1970s, Dulag, like many rural Philippine towns, faced economic challenges. Access to financial services was limited, hindering local development. Mayor Faustino Serrano, a man with a vision for his community, recognized this need. He understood that a rural bank could be a catalyst for progress, providing much-needed credit to farmers and small businesses.

He, along with other prominent citizens, began to champion the idea. It wasn’t an easy task. Convincing local businessmen to invest required persuasion and a demonstration of the bank’s potential. Mayor Serrano engaged in countless meetings, articulating his belief in Dulag’s future. He emphasized how the bank would empower local residents, allowing them to pursue their dreams and contribute to the town’s prosperity.

His persistence paid off. Eventually, enough local investors were convinced, and the Rural Bank of Dulag (Leyte), Inc. was established. This act of leadership showcased Mayor Serrano’s dedication to his constituents. It was more than just setting up a bank; it was about fostering a sense of hope and opportunity within the community. In the years that followed, the bank played a significant role in Dulag’s economic development, a testament to the mayor’s foresight and commitment.” 

“Mayor Tinoy used this Motorcycle as his primary means of transportation as Municipal Mayor of Dulag for 20 years (1962 – 1982). This enabled him to quickly respond to the needs of the Dulagnons, actively supervise his multiple projects, and above al helped him maintain peace and order within the municipality. Named “Tamyok” after hundreds of people died from the Cholera or El Tor epidemic in 1963 to 1964, caused by eating tiny Crabs known as tamyok which swamped Daguitan river in Barangay sabang and Fatima”.  

Mayor Faustino Serrano’s tenure in Dulag, Leyte, was marked by a clear focus on economic development. Recognizing the crucial need for accessible financial services, he demonstrated strong leadership by spearheading the establishment of the Rural Bank of Dulag in 1977. This initiative stands as a significant contribution to the town’s economic growth, showcasing his ability to rally local business leaders and persuade them to invest in the project. His primary achievement, the successful establishment of the rural bank, provided essential financial services, leading to increased access to credit for local businesses and farmers, stimulating countryside development, and improving economic opportunities for the people of Dulag. This action proved to be a lasting benefit for the community. While records of all his mayoral activities may be limited, and his other achievements in routine mayoral duties are assumed, Mayor Serrano’s involvement in the Rural Bank of Dulag undeniably represents a clear and lasting contribution to the municipality.

Mayor Manuel Sia Que of Dulag, Leyte, demonstrated a strong commitment to disaster preparedness, focusing on strengthening the town’s Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) capabilities. He actively supported workshops and training programs designed to enhance Dulag’s readiness for hydrometeorological hazards and other potential disasters, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding the well-being of his constituents. His “unwavering support” for the LDRRM, evidenced by his participation in workshops that included plotting and tracking tropical cyclones and establishing organizational structures for disaster preparedness, highlighted his active involvement in the process. Furthermore, Mayor Sia Que fostered crucial community collaboration by facilitating partnerships between local officials, community members, and stakeholders in disaster risk reduction efforts. He also extended his reach by building relationships with external agencies, such as the governor of Catanduanes and the Tabaco Chinese Filipino Volunteer Fire Brigade, further solidifying Dulag’s resilience.

served as the Vice Mayor of Dulag, Leyte, during the early 2010s, alongside Mayor Manuel Sia Que. Department of Budget and Management Specific details about his initiatives or contributions during his tenure are not readily available in the provided sources. For more comprehensive information about his public service and career, consulting local government records or historical archives would be advisable.

Jade A. Agullo currently serves as the Vice Mayor of Dulag, Leyte, a position he has held for multiple terms, as evidenced by past election results. His role within the local government is significant, primarily focused on presiding over the Sangguniang Bayan, the municipal council, and participating actively in the municipality’s legislative processes. As Vice Mayor, he is an integral part of the local governance structure, as shown by documentation from the Civil Service Commission, which indicates the office of the vice mayor as an active part of the municipal government. The fact that he has been re-elected to his position multiple times indicates a level of trust and support from the people of Dulag.

“He was a good man, always willing to listen to the people. He really cared about Dulag and its future.”

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