LEADING WITH THE HEART

People usually address government officials by their positions as a sign of respect. This also creates some sort of wall between them.

This is not the case in Davao del Norte, where the governor is simply called "Kuya Gob." “Kuya” is the Filipino word for older brother, while “Gob” is a shortcut for governor. Everyone in Davao del Norte refers to Governor Edwin Jubahib as “Kuya Gob,” breaking the stereotype of politicians as being difficult to approach. Jubahib explains that his being “Kuya Gob” to his constituents makes him more approachable, compared to being called “Gov" or "Governor,” which gives the impression of someone unreachable and intimidating.

THE REMARKABLE RISE OF KUYA GOB

Jubahib’s reputation as a dependable elder brother started in 2016 when he served as chief of staff for then-House Speaker and 1st District of Davao del Norte Representative Pantaleon Alvarez. He was the go-to person for the people of Davao del Norte, the one to whom constituents turned for help and guidance.

The governor first became involved in the Davao del Norte political scene when he became the campaign manager for Mindanao of former Senator Manny Villar when he ran for the presidency in 2010. Jubahib declined the offer at first, citing a lack of political expertise, but Villar placed his trust in him. Though Villar lost the elections, it did not stop Jubahib from being part of the political landscape of Davao. He met Alvarez in one of Villar’s campaign sorties. He eventually became the Speaker's chief of staff.

Jubahib is known in Davao del Norte as a bus conductor turned engineer and construction company owner. He started as a utility worker at Bachelor Express Inc., a bus company in Davao. While working, he enrolled at the University of Mindanao in Davao City. His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed; he was promoted from bus conductor to supervisor and then to assistant operations manager. He dreamed of becoming an engineer or a lawyer, but since he was self-supporting, he could only afford to pursue a degree in Criminology while working. Then, an offer came to him to study technical engineering in Japan while working. When he became an engineer, he stopped working and decided to open a construction company.

Despite these achievements, Jubahib was accused of being a “pseudo-engineer” and a drug addict during the 2019 campaign. These false accusations didn’t bother him, though, because he was aware that they were part of a political ploy to damage his reputation. He acknowledged that he had estafa charges against him for about Php100,000, but he explained that this was just one of the ups and downs of his construction business. He explained that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had contracted projects with his construction company, but the late President Benigno Aquino, Jr., ordered them to recall those projects. “But we already finished the project; I wasn’t paid, so it was a big loss, so of course, you issued a check for the materials.”

Jubahib, however, changed the course of Davao del Norte politics. His victory was a milestone in Davao’s political history because he was a first- time candidate and yet he defeateda candidate from a political clan that dominated Davao del Norte politics for more than 40 years. “Hindi pala lahat ay pera ang basehan.. Kahit makapangyarihan ka, puede pala na ang tao ay pumili din ng bago. (Not everything is about money.

Even if you’re powerful, people can choose someone new.)" He recognized the significance of his victory as a divine gift, a calling from the Lord to lead the people of Davao del Norte toward a brighter future.

BROTHERLY CARE

Reflecting on the challenges faced by the marginalized and vulnerable sectors of society, the province's chief executive officer felt a deep sense of responsibility to initiate change. He understood the people’s struggles in accessing government assistance during his time with Alvarez. From then on, he vowed to bridge the gap between the government and the grassroots.

However, he never envisioned himself doing the above as governor. He was hesitant to take on the challenge of running in the gubernatorial race or for any position, especially since he was not certain of his chances of winning against the ruling political clan in Davao del Norte. Jubahaib said that he just answered the call of the religious sector and ordinary citizens who yearned for change. His victory, he says, was not just a political triumph but an affirmation and determination of the people’s will to bring about positive change in the province. “Parang pinagbigyan ko lang, subok lang. So nung nanalo ako very emotional na ako, sabi ko na pagsisilbihan ko talaga ang mga kababayan ko sa Davao del Norte. (I just gave it a shot, tested the waters. So when I won, I became very emotional, and I said that I would really serve the people of Davao del Norte.)”

True to his commitment to serving the public and fulfilling his promise to the people, Jubahib wasted no time in making a significant change. He declared that all health services in Davao del Norte, including those offered in the province’s three district hospitals, would be provided free of charge. This encompassed not just medical treatment but also essential medicines, ensuring that even the most vulnerable members of society could access health care without financial burden.

INSURGENCY-FREE PROVINCE

It was under Jubahib’s administration that Davao del Norte was declared insurgency- free. It also made the wholeDavao Region insurgency-free as well. This is because, according to Jubahib, the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) are all based in Davao del Norte. This is a milestone in the province, especially given its reputation as a hotbed of insurgent activities by the CPP- NPA. The governor explains that he recognized the urgency of addressing the root causes of insurgency and sought to engage with the affected communities directly. Together with the officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), he went to the hinterlands and checked the conditions of the families of rebels. They also brought with them representatives of local government units, local and national agencies, and the private sector who can help improve the lives of the people in the hinterlands.

The approach was holistic. They conducted medical missions, distributed essential supplies such as vegetable seeds, high-value crops, and fertilizers, and assisted in improving the living conditions of the residents. The governor shared how disheartening it was to witness the dire situations in which the people lived—humble dwellings constructed from branches and grass, with roofs barely providing adequate shelter.

Jubahib admits that it was challenging at first because there were hesitations and doubts. He, however, saw a glimmer of hope when he extended a hand of support and showed genuine concern for the people's well-being. They were able to foster trust and dialogue with the affected communities. He assured them that their grievances would be addressed and that the government was committed to providing the necessary resources for their upliftment. “Sobrang nakakaawa. Inayos namin ang kalagayan nila at kinumbinsi ko sila na huwag na silang makipaglaban sa ating kasundaluhan, tapusin na namin ang gulo dito sa probinsiya namin. Iba na ngayon, sabi ko kasi nanditona ang gobernador nila. (It’s really pitiful, so we addressed their needs and convinced them not to fight against our military men anymore; to end the conflict in our province. We told them that it's different now, with their governor present among them.) They no longer need to go to the capitol; I would visit their community, and whatever they lack—schools, health centers, roads—I will provide them during my term.”

The governor made true of his promise. He led efforts to push for programs and projects in areas that had been long neglected.He invested in infrastructure, education, and livelihood programs to uplift disadvantaged communities. Thousands of NPA members voluntarily surrendered and turned over their firearms, signaling a definitive end to the long-standing insurgency problem in the province. This achievement was not confined to Davao del Norte alone but encompassed neighboring areas like Bukidnon, Agusan, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental.

Former conflict zones like the towns of Talaingod and Kapalong have now been transformed into emerging tourist destinations, as some areas have been converted into mountain resorts. Making the province insurgency-free is Jubahib’s greatest achievement so far. With Davao Del Norte being a “livable province,” they are now bracing for more developments.

THE BATTLE

The need for development is also the reason why Jubahib is passionate about efforts to address the pressing issue of high power rates in Davao Del Norte. According to him, excessive electricity charges have not only burdened consumers but also hindered business growth and investment in the province.This explains why he took decisive action against Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO), which supplies power to major cities in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro. Despite his efforts, a group called CAPECs (Coalition Against Privatization of Electric Cooperatives) filed charges against him with the Ombudsman. Jubahib, however, described this move as politically motivated and a distraction from the real issue at hand—the urgent need to provide better services to the people of Davao. The issue reached Congress and upon investigation, it was found that the cooperative was imposing high charges on consumers while providing poor service, resulting in frequent brownouts and unreliable electricity supply. In contrast, private power companies operating in other districts offered lower rates, gave better service, and contributed to community development through corporate social responsibility programs. He is now pushing for private power companies known for their reliability and efficiency to replace the cooperative.

THE VISION

Jubahib is quite new to local governance, yet he was already recognized as Governor of the Year during the Nation Builders and MOSLIV Awards in 2022. Davao del Norte was likewise acknowledged as the Most Sustainable and Liveable Province in the Philippines. He expresses joy for the recognition because his implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions to address the pressing issues in the province is acknowledged. He says that the programs of the provincial government of Davao del Norte are directed towards those who are in need.

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He cites the Kaagapay program, where they provided capitalization for 30families organized into people’s organizations. The funds are to beu sed to purchase vegetable seeds.The beneficiaries are also encouraged to plant corn, for which fertilizer is also provided. They are also given livestock such as chickens, goats, or pigs to raise. The families will be responsible for planting, harvesting, and selling crops and livestock. They will sell these to the provincial government to eliminate middlemen. The provincial government pays the farmers in full. "Pinutol ko yung transaction ng middle man na siyang kumikita doon. Intact yung natanggap ng mga magsasaka, kasi kung ano yung retail price sa palengke, yun din ang bili ng probinsiya doon sa produkto nila. (I did away with middlemen, who usually profit from transactions with farmers. The farmers receive the full amount for their products because we matched the market retail price.) They didn’t even need to transport their products themselves because the provincial government went to them. We did everything in order, especially in weighing their products. So, they earn.)”

According to Jubahib, this program has addressed the struggles of families who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). “Before, there were families who couldn’t even eat for a day. Now, their food is sufficient, and they were even able to buy household items because of the Kaagapay program,” he says.

The crime rate in Davao del Norte has also decreased to 3.5 percent, according to the governor. That’s why the Provincial Police Office was adjudged as the Best Performing Police Office in the country in 2021.

They also have the Oplan sa Kalinaw, Kaagapay Para sa Kalusugan at Kaginhawaan ng Baryo (Peace Plan, Partner for the Health and Well-Being of the Community) program, which continuously operates. Aside from giving free health services in the entire province, the provincial government also has a mobile clinic where surgeries can even be performed.

They also focus on addressing the issue of flooding through various projects, like the distillation program for seawater and the canalization program in rivers within the province. While the province has experienced flooding, these projects, according to Jubahib, have significantly helped mitigate the impact of such. They also have five heavy rescue trucks from Russia which are used not only to rescue but also to serve food and medicines for those affected by floods.

The governor dreams of Davao del Norte being named as a must- visit destination in the country.“My development plan ranges from highlands to islands—ecotourism development,” he declares.

THE SACRIFICE

One thing that weighs heavily

on Jubahib’s mind is the limited time he gets to spend with his family. It’s a source of sadness for him, knowing that his demanding schedule often keeps him away from his loved ones. Sacrificing what could have been memorable moments with his family is a necessary part of his commitment to serving the people of Davao del Norte. Despite his longing to be with his children more often, his primary focus remains on fulfilling his responsibilities and helping the constituents of his province. He says that his sacrifice is not just a way of thanking the people for the trust and support they have given him but also his assurance of keeping up with his commitment to serve the people of Davao del Norte.

However, the thought that Jubahib’s sacrifices are paying off, for they can now gradually experience progress in Davao del Norte, is an assurance that he is doing well as a public servant. He is fulfilled to see that there are families who were once extremely poor but are now experiencing improvements in their lives. Thus, as their Kuya Gob, he calls on the people to continue uniting to fight poverty and conflict. “Yung problema natin sa insurgency ay natapos na. Patuloy po tayong magkaisa, magtulungan, magdasal sa Panginoong Diyos para sa ikakabuti ng inyong pamilya, at ating mahal na probinsiya (Our problem with insurgency has already ended. Let us continue to unite, help one another, and pray to the Lord our God for the betterment of your families and our beloved province), he ends.”