According to author James Clear, the environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior.
This simple quotation rings true for most of us. Our surroundings help mold our beliefs, cultures and mindsets. As the national elections draw near, let us take a look at the different environments that influenced the upbringing of our next leaders. Let us discover the hometowns of the top five candidates vying for the nation’s highest seat.
Panfilo “Ping” Lacson
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson was born in Imus, Cavite. During his early formative years, he studied in the area and eventually left to enter the Philippine Military Academy. Later on, he became the Chief of the Philippine National Police under the Estrada Administration.
Nowadays, Imus is a bustling city teeming with investors and developers due to its robust economy and proximity to Metro Manila. The city is considered the “Flag Capital of the Philippines” as this is where the Philippine flag was first waved publicly to symbolize the country’s triumph against Spanish conquistadors.
Imus, Cavite is known as the Flag Capital of the Philippines and was the birthplace of Senator Ping Lacson
Also known as the hometown of heroes, Imus has given birth to several notable figures in our country’s history. Cesar E.A. Virata, the former Prime Minister of the Philippines, hails from this area. Leonardo Sarao, the famed jeepney designer, and Luis Tagle, the former Archbishop of Manila, also call Imus their home.
Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo
Pride of the Bicol region, Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo was born and raised in Naga, Camarines Sur. She took up her early education in the area and later returned to study law in her hometown. She served as the representative of Camarines Sur’s 3rd district before assuming higher office.
Naga City, her hometown, was considered a Spanish royal city in the 16th century. It is known as the “Queen City of Bicol” due to its central position in the region. Naga City also serves as a pilgrimage site for devotees of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia. In terms of economy, the city is considered the center of commerce of the Bicol Region.
This picturesque image of Mount Isarog in Naga City represents the quiet but steady upbringing of Vice President Leni Robedo
Notable people from the area include former Senator Joker Arroyo, musician Ely Buendia and GMA News anchor Arnold Clavio.
Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso
Popularly known as “Isko Moreno,” Mayor Francisco Domagoso hails from the largest district of Manila–Tondo. The story of his humble beginnings often figure in his speeches, as he used to collect recyclables in the area’s streets to help his family.
Densely populated, Tondo is believed to be one of our country’s oldest towns. During the Spanish period, Tondo was one of the first provinces to rebel against the colonizers in 1896. The area is often controversially used to depict poverty and crime in the Philippines but the district is slowly becoming an investment hotspot. Its rich history and busy pier ensure its residents of small-scale jobs and opportunities.
With the Church as one of its most familiar landmarks, Tondo in Manila is home to many notable people including Mayor Francisco Domagoso aka Isko Moreno.
Tondo has given birth to some of our country’s most notable change makers. Numerous heroes such as Lakandula, Emilio Jacinto and Andres Bonifacio came from this area, as well as the late comedian Dolphy and real estate mogul Manny Villar. Tondo is also the hometown of Levi Celerio, one of the Philippines’ esteemed National Artists.
Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Son of the former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was born in Manila. His family, however, is known for their origins in Ilocos Norte. The younger Marcos became the vice governor of Ilocos Norte in 1980 and eventually the governor three years later. Later on, he became a senator from 2010 to 2016.
Ilocos Norte is located in the country’s northern region. The province is dotted with numerous architectural gems from the Spanish period, such as the Laoag Cathedral and the St. Augustine Church in Paoay. Unique geographical features also make the area popular with tourists. Places like the La Paz Sand Dunes and Pagudpud white sand beaches often attract visitors to the region.
The Bangui Wind Farm is one of the modern destinations of Ilocos Norte, hometown of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos
Ilocos Norte was also the birthplace of numerous historical figures from our country. War general Artemio Ricarte and religious founder Gregorio Aglipay hail from Ilocos Norte. Today, the area has also become famous for its wind farms which provide alternative energy sources for the Philippines. The farms supply 40 percent of Ilocos Norte’s electrical needs.
Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao Sr.
Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao made the successful transition from fighting in the boxing ring to running in the political race. Made famous by his boxing prowess, he first ran for office as representative of Sarangani. He eventually became senator in 2016, a position which he continues to hold today.
The senator was born in Bukidnon but raised in General Santos City. The latter is proud to claim him as its son. Other famous people from the area include Ar. Shamcey Supsup, the current National Director of Miss Universe Philippines, and Carlos Zarate, representative of the Bayan Muna Partylist.
The Tuna Festival is one of the reasons to visit General Santos City, hometown of Senator Manny Pacquiao Sr.
General Santos City caters to the largest international airport in Mindanao. It also contains the Makar Wharf, an international sea port, and the Bulaong Terminal, the city’s integrated land transport terminal. While primarily catering to agricultural and fishing industries, the city is considered the center of commerce in the Soccskargen Region.
Sources: https://psa.gov.ph; https://eportal.gensantos.gov.ph; https://naga.gov.ph; https://ilocosnorte.gov.ph; www.manila-map.com; User Drin122712, Kirkamon, Perlie R., Ervin Malicdem, and Elmer B. Domingo via Wikimedia Commons