by Gerry Lee Gorit
BALINGASAG, Misamis Oriental – It’s final! The son of Misamis Oriental Governor Peter “Sr. Pedro” M. Unabia is going to challenge the incumbent mayor of Balingasag town in the May 2025 local and national elections.
This, as Joshua Unabia, has officially filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) under the Paglaum-Padayon-Lakas-CMD wing alongside with his political line up yesterday, October 4 at the local Comelec Office. He will be facing against incumbent Mayor of Balingasag.
Joshua, during the filing of COC, was also supported by his father and incumbent Governor Unabia and his wife Erlinda S. Unabia, Vergilia “Bebing” Dumadag Special Assistant to the Governor, Cong. Christian S. Unabia, First district, Vice Gov. Jeremy Jonahmar “Jigjag” Pelaez, Board Members Rey Buhisan, Marlon Kho, Roy Aniscal, Rommel Maslog, Jabi Bernaldez, Robert de Lara, mayors, and thousands of supporters and well wishers.
Those who also filed their COCs under Joshua team include: for vice mayor – Maybelle “Ate Dimple” Abogado Quilnat. For municipal councilors, they are Ramonito “Monet” Saarenas, Patricio “Dodong” Ranas, Marrieta “Mayet” Abogado, Alvin “Yorme” Edades, Tiro “Boods” Norminda, and Roderick John “Coco” Almendrala
In an interview with the media, Joshua Unabia ask the support of the Balingasagnon as he is a neophyte in politics. “Hinaut unta nga suportahan ko ninyo. Pasensya na dili pa kaayo ko maayo moistorya kay 2 weeks palang gyud sa dihang giimbitar ko sa akong amahan nga modagan isip mayor sa Balingasag, ” the young Unabia said.
He said soon he is going to visit the barangays to know the real problems of people and institute solutions based on their problems. Kinahanglan haum sa inyong problema ang atong solusyon.”
For his part, First District Congressman Christian Unabia has also called on the voters of Balingasag that it’s high time change leadership to have massive developments and programs for the people who needed more support.
“Busa ako nagahangyo kaninyo nga atong suportahan pagka mayor ang akong igsoon nga andam magserbisyo para sa katawhan,” the solon said.
Meanwhile, Governor Unabia also added that his son Joshua is willing to sacrifice his happy life because he is also determined to serve the people of Balingasag.
“Ang akong anak malipayon na sa iyang pamilya, ug aduna na siyay successful nga negosyo apan tungod sa tawag sa serbisyo andam siyang magsakripisyo,” the governor said.
Joshua Unabia, report said, is also following the political agenda and programs of the governor so that everything will run smoothly even if he is only new to politics.
Joshua also ended his short speech by citing a priest’s quote which says “Politics is an opportunity but it has a great responsibility,” adding that he is now ready to face this great responsibility, if given a chance to serve the people of Balingasag.
