ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has thrown his full support behind Badiangan’s Mayor Suzette Mamon as the next president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) – Iloilo Chapter, solidifying her bid as the frontrunner in the race to lead the province’s municipal mayors.
Defensor’s endorsement came during a press conference at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on July 24, underscoring Mamon’s experience and potential to steer the league toward greater cooperation and innovation among the province’s towns.
Mamon, who currently serves as LMP-Iloilo’s vice president, is widely seen as the heir-apparent to outgoing chapter president Rosario Mediatrix Fernandez. Her candidacy has also gained momentum following public backing from Guimbal’s Mayor Richard Garin during the league’s despedida event on June 19.
In laying out her vision, Mamon emphasized the need for stronger inter-municipal collaboration and capacity building, especially for newly elected mayors.
“We have to do more capacity-building with our mayors — especially now that we have newly elected local chief executives. Even we, re-elected mayors, need to upgrade our service delivery. It can no longer be just ministerial or routine; the demands of public service have evolved,” she said.
Mamon’s leadership style, described as inclusive and participative, has earned her the respect of peers across political lines. She is known for her close ties with fellow mayors and her hands-on involvement in LMP activities, regardless of title.
“I have been there for many years as an officer, and as I have stated, willingly. The Mayor’s league is actually consultative, participative, and a collaborative organization. It is a venue for all the LGUs (local government) and mayors to collaborate kag kon ano man nga manami nga programa, halin sa aton Governor, we will always be willing to be partners and cascade sa amon mga respective LGUs,” Mamon said./PN
