ILOILO – Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. emerged as the top-performing governor in Western Visayas in the “Boses ng Bayan” survey conducted by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD).
Earning what the RPMD described as “an exceptional score of 92.36 percent,” Defensor bested five other governors in the region with Aklan’s Gov. Joen Miraflores and Negros Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson statistically tying for the second spot, scoring 87.25 percent and 86.81 percent, respectively.
The RPMD survey was a non-commissioned performance appraisal survey on the region’s governors.
“This comprehensive evaluation hinged upon eight crucial parameters: executive leadership, policy formulation, development planning, representation and diplomacy, crisis and disaster management, oversight and accountability, administrative management, and public service delivery,” the RPMD said.
Gov. Rhodora Cadiao of Antique placed third with a score of 82.16 percent, Gov. Fredenil Castro of Capiz earned 77.40 percent and landed fourth, while Gov. JC Rahman Nava of Guimaras came in fifth with an approval rating of 73.69 percent.
“These provincial governors exhibited unwavering commitment and dedication to their respective provinces, significantly contributing to regional development and the well-being of their constituents,” said RPMD.
It added, “Through visionary governance and tireless efforts, they have garnered recognition and acclaim throughout the Western Visayas Region.”
Dr. Paul Martinez, RPMD executive director, emphasized the importance of regular assessments in ensuring good governance, accountability, transparency, and effective resource management.
“By prioritizing the province’s and its residents’ best interests, the provincial governors create opportunities for growth, improvement, and responsiveness to the needs of their constituents,” said Martinez.
The survey, conducted from Feb. 25 to March 8, had 10,000 registered voter respondents with a sampling margin of error of ±1 percent with a 95 percent confidence level.
Respondents were chosen randomly, and their distribution was proportional to the official voting population data, ensuring a representative sample for accurate assessment.
Last March 2022, Defensor was also cited by the RPMD as one of the five best-performing governors in the country.
RPMD conducted a “Public Satisfaction Survey” between Feb. 20 to 28, 2022 covering 10,000 random respondents nationwide.
Defensor ranked No. 4, earning a satisfaction rating of 72 percent.
No. 1 was Gov. Gwen Garcia of Cebu with 83 percent satisfaction rating, followed by Francis “Chiz”Escudero” of Bicol (81 percent), and Hermilando Mandanas of Batangas (78 percent).
Completing the top five was Manual Mamba of Cagayan Valley who earned a rating of 70 percent. (With a report from Balita Halin sa Kapitolyo)/PN
