IN THE heart of Mindanao, a quiet but powerful transformation is taking place.
On June 29, 2025, under the warm Nabunturan sun, Davao de Oro witnessed more than just an oath-taking ceremony. It was the beginning of a new era, one shaped not only by seasoned political acumen and technical expertise but by a shared promise to uphold a legacy of transparency, integrity, and public service.
The province’s new leadership, dubbed the “Trifecta of Governance,” marks a strategic alliance of three leaders bound not just by political alignment but by a unified vision: to serve with honesty, heart, and purpose.
At the helm of this trio is Governor Raul “RM” Mabanglo, an engineer by training and a community servant by calling. Flanking him are First District Representative Maria Carmen “Maricar” Zamora-Mabanglo, a veteran lawmaker with a sterling record of public service, and Second District Representative Jhong Ceniza, a grassroots leader with a voice dedicated to the farthest reaches of the province.
From blueprints to barangays: Mabanglo’s mission to build beyond roads
Governor RM Mabanglo’s story is not your typical political ascent.
Before setting foot in the Capitol, he was more comfortable inspecting roadworks than delivering speeches, his hands calloused from years of fieldwork, his heart attuned to the pulse of the people.
A licensed engineer and former barangay captain, Mabanglo credits his humility and resolve to the life lessons handed down by his parents and years of working alongside communities on the ground.
“We will prioritize sustainable development so that the people can have access to clean water, better roads, and accessible transport. But more than anything, we will listen,” Mabanglo said in his inaugural address, pausing to let the applause fade.
He emphasized that this administration would not lead from a pedestal but walk hand-in-hand with the people, particularly those in underserved and upland barangays. With a technocrat’s precision and a public servant’s compassion, Mabanglo is set to redefine infrastructure as more than physical projects; it's about building trust and resilience, too.
Maricar Zamora-Mabanglo: Steward of trust, champion of continuity
Standing on the same Capitol grounds where her political journey began, Congresswoman Maricar Zamora-Mabanglo delivered a message steeped in gratitude and resolve. Having served the province in multiple capacities for nearly two decades, Zamora-Mabanglo is no stranger to the intricacies of governance.
“Transparency is not a slogan — it is our duty,” she told the crowd, reaffirming her commitment to clean governance and institutional integrity.
Zamora-Mabanglo has long been a stalwart of education and social welfare programs, helping craft policies that directly benefit marginalized communities. Her leadership is seen not as transactional but transformational, and her re-election reaffirms the people’s trust in her enduring promise of continuity and compassion.
She extended heartfelt thanks to Team Lambo, her loyal supporters who, she said, inspired her to keep pushing forward despite the challenges of modern politics. “They are the wind behind my sails,” she said.
Jhong Ceniza: A district’s voice, a family’s advocate
In many ways, Representative Jhong Ceniza represents the heart of the 2nd District, hardworking, earnest, and deeply connected to the struggles of ordinary families. During his oath-taking, Ceniza spoke of a future where public service is felt at every doorstep, from the lowlands to the hinterlands.
“No one should be left behind,” he declared, laying out a vision that includes boosting local agriculture, healthcare access, job generation, and quality education.
Ceniza’s brand of leadership is deeply personal. He speaks not in grand platitudes but in promises grounded in the realities of his constituents, where a working health center or a new irrigation system could change the trajectory of a barangay.
A legacy of governance, a future of hope
Davao de Oro has long been held up as a benchmark of good governance in Mindanao lauded for its citizen engagement, disaster preparedness, and inclusive policies. The emergence of the “Trifecta” signals a continuity of that tradition, but with fresh energy and deeper grassroots focus.
This new alliance brings together three distinct leadership styles: a builder, a steward, and a voice of the people. Together, they form a governance framework that aims not only to administer but to empower. Their shared goal: a province where progress is not measured in reports but in real, lasting change felt by every Davaoeño.
As the Capitol doors close behind the ceremony and the dust settles on the sunlit courtyard, one thing is certain: Davao de Oro’s story continues not merely as a province defined by geography, but as a community bound by shared purpose and a hopeful path forward.