LORENZO ACUÑA ARNALDO
1st appointed City Mayor (1951 – 1953)
1st elected City Mayor (1960 – 1969)
Lorenzo or Tio Inzo for most Kapisnon is best remembered for his innate "charisma". His natural ways of getting close to his subjects through sincere friendship was contagious. When the word charisma was only a word in a dictionary, Tio Inzo lived it in his lifetime. He attracted his fellowmen with his common touch and clinched each one’s love and friendship with loyalty. Those who followed him as a leader swore by him and followed him to the end.
Lorenzo Acuña Arnaldo was a lawyer, a graduate from the University of the Philippines. He was born to former Mayor of Capiz, Capiz Manuel Arnaldo and Ricarda Acuña Arnaldo on July 7, 1912. In 1946 he was appointed as personal secretary to President Manuel Roxas.
When Capiz was chartered a city on May 12, 1951, Arnaldo was appointed its first mayor by then President of the Philippines, Elpidio Quirino. On March 15, 1952 he married the beauteous Violeta Alvarez with whom he had five children, Manuel, Ma. Cristina, Consuelo, Antonio, and Lourdes.
Inzo Arnaldo was also the 1st Elected City Mayor of Roxas City who took his oath of office on January 1, 1960. He died as City Mayor on May 13, 1969, a day after the 18th charter anniversary of his beloved city.
Inzo never walked alone; he always had people around him not because he was afraid of an assassin bullet, but because his followers would always conglomerate around him, to be seen with him because he was good leader, kind and very "humane". Inzo will always be remembered as the leader with the "common touch."
RAMON BERJAMIN BLANCO
City Mayor (1954- 1956)
Ramon Blanco was born on August 31, 1902 in Panay, Capiz, where most of his family roots came from. He had his elementary education at Panay Elementary School and pursued his secondary school at St. Vincent Seminary in Jaro, Iloilo City where he graduated as salutatorian. His inclination to become a priest was overcome by his desire to be a lawyer which made him decide to enroll at the National University where he took up his Bachelor of Laws. He finished his law school in 1928 and took the Bar Examination in the following year and successfully passed it.
His career as practicing lawyer began in Roxas City where he became a famous public defender. His achievements made him a distinguished figure in the judiciary. He was appointed as Justice of Peace of Mambusao from January 1, 1935 to January 31, 1938. He was appointed as Special Investigator in the Office of the Free Commonwealth Government of the Province of Capiz in March 1943. A position he held for three years until he became the Municipal Judge of Pasay City from August 1, 1947 to July 5, 1948.
In 1954, Ramon Blanco was appointed City Mayor of Roxas City. He served in that capacity until August 23, 1956, he did not seek re-election thus, ended his political career. In September 12, 1956, he was appointed as Associate Judge of the Court of Agrarian Relations covering the cities of Iloilo, Bacolod and Cebu. Later, in June 1962, he was appointed as District Judge of the Court of First Instance of Maasin, Leyte and in 1963 he was transferred to Kalibo holding the same post
His last years of service were rendered at the Court of First Instance of Iloilo City as District Judge from May 20, 1965 until his retirement from the service on January 31, 1971.
JOSE AMANCIO DORADO
City Mayor (1957-1959)
Jose Amancio Dorado was born in Capiz, Capiz (now Roxas City) on December 11, 1891. His parents were Pedro Delfin Dorado and Aurea Amancio who were both from Panitan. He had his early education at Tanque Elementary School and finished his secondary school in Manila where he continued college and obtained his Bachelor of Laws at Manila Law School just before the war. He took and successfully passed the Bar exams after the war and become a public defender, a trial lawyer and a municipal judge in Roxas City. During the war, Jose Dorado served in the army as a reserved Brigadier General. He was also the General Manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes and as Director of NARIC & PRATRA before entering the world of politics.
His political career had a span of more than a decade, 13 years to be exact. It started in 1928 when he served as Congressman of the 2nd District. Later, in 1957, he was appointed as Mayor of Roxas City by then President Ramon Magsaysay .His mayoralty ended in 1959 when President Magsaysay perished in that plane crash in Cebu, He was replaced by his vice mayor Juliano Alba. Dorado’s political career continued after his mayoral stint. He served as acting vice governor and as a Board Member during Speaker Cornelio Villareal, Sr. reign as Provincial governor. His Political career was marked with performance and accomplishments. One among his visible projects was the construction of Banica Elementary School which was taken from his pork barrel while serving the Philippine Congress. His Marriage to Segunda Delfin of Panitan was blessed with nine children who became successful in their chosen fields of endeavors. Not one among his children however, followed his footsteps in politics. He died in 1984 at the age of 93. His remaining friends and relatives remember him as a person who possessed an extraordinary humor who had no enemies except in politics.
TEODORO ROXAS ARCENAS
City Mayor (1969-1986)
Teodoro Arcenas was born on September 25, 1919 in Roxas City (then Capiz Town). Born to parents Demetrio Arcenas and Nieves A. Roxas, who both came from prominent families in the City of Roxas, Teddy lived up to the family expectations and strive hard to succeed in his chosen field of endeavors. He took his elementary education at Tanque Elementary School and his secondary education at Capiz National High School where he graduated as the salutatorian. He then proceeded with his collegiate education at the University of the Philippines where he earned a degree of Bachelor of Science and Mining Engineering (BSME). In 1941 to 1945, Teddy Arcenas served the army with a rank of a Sergeant (reserved). His entry to politics was in 1960 when he was elected as city councilor which he held for three full terms (9 years). After serving as city councilor, he decided to run in the 1968 election as vice mayor and won. With the sudden death of then Mayor Lorenzo Arnaldo, Teddy Arcenas became the city mayor by succession in 1969 and by winning the election in 1971.
During his term many projects and accomplishments cropped up to the delight of the local city folks that made him dearer to his constituents. Among this accomplishments, the following were the most noted: (1) the construction of Bagong Lipunan Trade Center (later renamed Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center (TATC) in his honor, (2) Cementing of roads in barangay Baybay, Barangay Dumulog up to barangay Mongpong, (3) Cementing of roads from Barangay Loctugan up to barangay Bato, (4) Construction of bridges that connected Barangay Dinginan, Barangay Balijuagan, to the municipality of Ivisan, (5) Installation and Improvement of the Waterworks and Sewerage System in the City of Roxas which was inaugurated last October 21, 1975 and other projects remained visible up to this day. Teddy, as he was fondly called by his close associates and friends is one person considered by his constituents as amiable and not hard to get along with. His term of office as the chief executive of the city government of Roxas was marked with peace and unity among residents. His years in public service should serve as a inspiration for those who aspire to serve as it reflect an example of dedication, concern and selfless interest that is worth emulating. After retiring from public service, Teddy remained active in some civic endeavors. His accomplishments were more than enough to outlive the man of his lifetime.
ROMEO AGNAS AZARCON
Appointed OIC-City Mayor (December 2-5, 1987)
The aftermath of EDSA 1 which eventually installed Cory Aquino in the presidency, also brought changes to the local governance. To avoid any vacuum in the local government units, senior local DILG personnel were appointed to take over the helm until an appointee has been chosen. Only a few city residents were aware that the city has one appointed mayor who served in such capacity before the 1998 election. His service, although lasted only for four days, paved the way to a continuous or uninterrupted delivery of service to the residents of Roxas City. Such was the case when Romeo Azarcon who was then the city DILG officer when he was called to serve as OIC-city mayor of Roxas City. He served the city government in the said capacity in order to keep the LGU fully operational.Romeo Azarcon was born on October 5, 1940 to couples Carlos Aguilos Azarcon and Concepcion Agnasin Agnas. He had his education at Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion from elementary, high School and his Bachelor of Science in commerce. He married Erlinda Antonio with whom he had 3 kids; Maria Ramona, John Ace and John Brian. Romeo Azarcon passed away on January 1, 1989 after spending 28 years in government service.
ANTONIO ALDEA BISNAR
Appointed City Mayor (December 1987 – February 1988)
When Juliano Alba decided to run in the mayoralty race in the 1988 election, he left his post as the appointed city mayor and focus his time for the campaign period. In his stead Antonio Bisnar, a young lawyer was appointed as city mayor for the duration of almost two months. He carried the tasks of seeing to it that the local governance is in control and fully functioning while the rest were preparing for the election. His short incumbency was a period of trust, transparency and balance administration with unbiased leadership. Antonio Bisnar was born on February 1, 1952 to couples Ibarra Legaspi Bisnar and Herminia Santos Aldea. He had his early education at Tanque Elementary School and his secondary at the Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion. He studied Law at the University of Santo Tomas where he graduated in 1975, took the Bar and passed it in the same year.Prior to his appointment as city mayor, he served as an appointed Sanggunian Panlungsod member after EDSA 1 for more than a year. He left government service for his more lucrative private practice despite the prodding of his friends and colleagues after his term. Today he continue to practice. Antonio Bisnar is married to Joy Villarruz with and whom he has 3 kids, namely; Joanne, Stephanie and Jason Anthony.
JULIANO ALOVERA ALBA
City Mayor (1988-1998)
In the political history of Roxas City, no man so loved by his constituents have, so far, match the dedication and affection "Lenny" has inculcated and instilled to his fellow Capiceño. Born eldest to couples Jose Loyola Alba and Emiliana Alovera on January 8, 1928, Lenny possessed a distinct dependable characteristic of a good leader even in his childhood years. An attitude that he carried until he grew up which for most Kapisnon is one factor that made him dearer to his relatives, subordinates, and friends. To the city residents, Lenny is kindhearted, dependable and a true leader whose love of service is beyond reproach. In return his constituents respected him and considered him a friend they can always count on. A clearer manifestation of this respect was when he run in the last 1995 election unopposed. Lenny spent his elementary years at Tanque Elementary School and his secondary at Capiz High School (now Capiz National High School).
Armed with strong determination to reach his youthful ambitions, he went to Manila to pursue his collegiate education. He took up and finished Bachelor of Laws (LIB) at the University of Santo Tomas while working. He passed the Bar exam in 1952 and commenced his private practice as a public defender. His political career started in the year 1953 when he became a City Councilor until 1955. In the same year, he was elected to a higher post as vice-mayor, a position which he held up to 1959. His political career continued to shine despite his absence when he became the chairman and General Manager of Cebu Portland Cement (1966-69). He served the House of Congress in the later part of 1969 until 1972.
During Martial Law years, Alba practiced his profession as a lawyer and later became the legal counsel of COMELEC from 1979 up to 1984. Desirous to serve his fellow Kapisnon, he decided to run in the 1988 election and won the mayoralty race. His incumbency brought many developments in Roxas City. Visible and prominent landmarks are undoubtedly listed to his credit. These include the construction of the new city hall, the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center, the Paseo de Roxas and the renovation of the city plaza and the city museum "Ang Panublion". Alba did not finished his last term as City Mayor. He underwent a major operation and was persuaded to retire before his last term expired in 1998 due to health reasons. He silently passed away on November 1, 2003 at his family residence in Bilbao St., Roxas City. His accomplishments will be remembered by many Kapisnon, old and young alike.
ANTONIO A. DEL ROSARIO
City Mayor (1997-2007)
From a barangay captain, Antonio Del Rosario or Tony as he is fondly called by friends, worked his way to the city hall. First as a city councilor, then as city vice mayor for three terms and eventually as an elected city mayor from 1998 to the present. His rise to the highest position was a result of years of dedicated service and concern for the city residents. His ability to give or deliver to his constituents the vest services there is and in the shortest possible time literally earned him the title as "Aksyon-Agad" mayor of the city. Even when he was still vice mayor, Tony was known for his prompt responses of getting things done the soonest possible time. His ways of finding means to expedite delivering of basic services and avoiding unnecessary delays made him dearer to the people. Such innate trait practically made him the right choice for the mayoralty post.His rise to the mayoralty was made earlier. When then Mayor Alba underwent a major operation and opted for an early retirement, Tony was ushered to finish his term and eventually set himself for the 1998 election which he won easily over two equally strong contenders. His first term as the city chief executive was marked with a number of innovations and bold changes seldom implemented by a politician who would seek re-election.For one, he was responsible in unclogging the public market by transferring the jeepney terminal to various locations in the city. The transfer was met with a lot of resistance from the jeepney driver and operators who found the new locations too far from the city proper. Businessman aired their objection of the terminal transfer as it affected their business. Even the public commuters reacted as well. But the ordered was carried out despite overwhelming objections. Viewed as a manifestation of political will, the implementations was fully executed and months after, majority of the city resident have seen and appreciated the wisdom of such bold change. He ran in the 1998 elections and got a fresh mandate from the city resident for his first term. Big investors came in bulk during his first term which significantly improved the local economy and reduced the unemployment rate of the city.Tony was born in Roxas City on April 13, 1946 to couples Jose Mijares del Rosario and Perla Garde Andrada. His father was influential in having him join politics back in 1970’s.
His marriage to Suzzete Ignacio Atienza was blessed with 5 kids. At 60, Tony is set for more years in public service.Mayor Tony’s latest laurel is earning for Roxas City (for 6 successive years) the title "Cleanest and Greenest Component City in Western Visayas" for the very first time in its 51 years of being a component city. Although credit is rightfully attributed to his strategic decision-making, Mayor Tony would humbly say that such an achievement is not his but an achievement especially of the resident of the Roxas City. His other legacies includes the beautification of the city plaza, the establishment of the Hortus Botanicus, the renovation of the Slaughterhouse, the upgrading of the city dumpsite and the completion of the 3rd floor of the City Hall. These legacies will carry his name as an achievement of a man who want Roxas City to look best and last long after his stint ;in public service.
VICENTE BEDIONES BERMEJO
City Mayor (2007-2010)
A banker turned Municipal Mayor then Provincial Governor an best describe Vic Bermejo’s political career in reaching the highest position in the Province of Capiz when he won the 1998 election. Born on January 22, 1946 in Tanza Sur, Panay, Vic as he is foundly called by friends and relatives can boast on his performances that made him dearer to his constituents.
His political career started back in 1986 when he first served as OIC Mayor of Panay, his hometown. Seeing the chance of having all his projects work or completed and of serving his town mates better, he launched his candidacy and was re-elected three times to complete his term as Mayor of Panay from 1988-1998. As mayor for 12years, Vic Bermejo successfully made the Municipality of Panay one of the most progressive town of Capiz- bringing to his town folks all the facilities otherwise confined only to a city. His leadership and impressive management in the local governance made him President of the League of Municipalities- Capiz Chapter for two consecutive terms (1998-1992) and later as Secretary General and Executive Vice President of LMP-national. Completing his term as a Mayor and having the experiences needed to keep development coming on a wider scope, Vis eventually came face to face with a greater challenge that would entail a bigger responsibility- the Capitol. After getting pledges of support from friends and followers he accepted to run for a higher position. In 1998, he launched his candidacy and successfully got elected as the 19th Governor of Capiz.
"To serve best what is best for Capiz" – became Governor Bermejo’s rallying call that served as the guiding principles for rapid development of the Province of Capiz. The call became synonymous with his motto, commitment, dedication and sterling service for Capiceños. Much more, it became his reason for being in public service.
Known for his concerns in making any undertakings financially viable for the local government, Vic is an efficient financial manager who ever set foot at the Capitol. In the report of the Preparatory Commission on Constitutional Reform in 1999, Governor Bermejo was cited as the only Governor in the entire country who was able to balance his budget versus expenditures. Desirous of installing a benign investment climate in the region, the milleneum Governor figures prominently as Chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council beginning 2001. He won his second term as Governor during the last 2001 election.
Vic is married to Maria Teresa Alvarez Barrios, with whom he is blessed with six children; Claire, Vincent Emmanuel, Mary Rosary, Mary Catherine, Andrew Anthony and Ann Marie.
Source: Roxas City Tourism Office - Alger O. Inocencio, Senior Tourism Officer
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