Governor Tamayo still Top-Performing Governor in Region 12, ranks 5th in the country

In the most recent independent and non-commissioned survey conducted by the RPMD Foundation Inc. (RPMD) at the beginning of 2024, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has once again been recognized as a top-performing governor in the region. The comprehensive assessment evaluated the job performance of all provincial governors in the Philippines, with a focus on achievements across various regions.

Governor Tamayo, who is the President of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the political party of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., secured an impressive 81.5% job performance rating. This score places him ahead of Governor Pax Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat, who received an 81.3% rating.

Governor Tamayo holds several significant positions: he is also the President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, the National Chairman of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), and the Vice Chairperson for Government Sector of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC). His tagline, "Tama at Maayos na Serbisyo," reflects his commitment to providing proper and efficient service.

The survey results highlight Governor Tamayo's continued dedication to his constituents and his effective governance strategies. His high rating is a testament to his commitment to enhancing public services, fostering community engagement, and driving economic and social initiatives in South Cotabato.

Governor Gwen Garcia of Cebu and Governor Dax Cua of Quirino topped the survey with job performance ratings of 93.8% and 93.2% respectively. Governor Dodo Mandanas of Batangas and Governor Ann Hofer of Zamboanga Sibugay followed closely, both earning notable 91.9% and 91.8% respectively. Governor Toto Defensor of Iloilo ranked third with a score of 90.3%.

Other notable governors in the subsequent rankings include:

• Governor Bai Mariam Mangudadatu of Maguindanao del Sur with 82.6% (fourth place)
• Governor Matthew Manotoc of Ilocos Norte and Governor Henry Oaminal of Misamis Occidental with 80.2% and 79.9% respectively (sixth place)
• Governor Damian Mercado of Southern Leyte with 78.7% and Governor Niño Uy of Davao Oriental with 78.5% (seventh place)
• Governor Luigi Villafuerte of Camarines Sur with 77.3% and Governor Aurelio Umali of Nueva Ecija with 76.9% (eighth place)
• Governor Humerlito Dolor of Oriental Mindoro with 75.4% (ninth place)
• Governor Robert Barbers of Surigao del Norte with 71.8% and Governor Melchor Diclas of Benguet with 71.3% (tenth place)

The RPMD's evaluation framework is rigorous and multifaceted, assessing governors across several critical parameters, including adherence to legal and ethical standards, strategic vision and planning, decision-making and problem-solving abilities, financial stewardship, crisis management strategies, development of public services, economic and social initiatives, community engagement, and innovations in public service.

Dr. Paul Martinez, a Global Affairs Analyst and Executive Director of RPMD, emphasized the survey's significance in promoting accountability and governance improvement. He noted the exemplary leadership of the top-performing governors, including Governor Tamayo, highlighting their constituents' solid approval as a reflection of effective governance and public trust. Dr. Martinez further stressed that the survey results represent the voice of the people, providing a clear and compelling measure of public sentiment and satisfaction.

The "Boses ng Bayan" national survey by RPMD, conducted from March 18-24, 2024 (first quarter), involved 10,000 adult participants and provided a robust analysis of regional public opinion with a margin of error of +/-1% and a 95% confidence level. This survey serves as a critical tool for evaluating provincial governors in the Philippines, fostering transparency, accountability, and continuous governance enhancement for the betterment of public service and community development nationwide.

Governor Tamayo's recognition as a top-performing governor reaffirms his dedication to serving the people of South Cotabato and his ability to lead effectively amidst the challenges of governance.