KNOW YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

2ns semester, AY 2023 – 2024

NAME: Arianne Marquez CLASS SCHEDULE: TTh 1:30- 3:00 pm

ACADEMIC PROG. & YEAR: BS IE- 1 DATE OF SUBMISSION: 02/02/24

NAME OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT

(City/Municipality and Province)
BRIEF BACKGROUND OF LGU
INCOME CLASS
DOMINANT POLITICAL CLANS
(Are there political families or dynasties in
your local community? Who are they?
Provide a brief history or background for
each.)
ARGAO LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT
The Municipality of Argao is located at the southeastern portion of the
province of Cebu, approximately 68 kilometers from the City of Cebu. The
town is composed of 45 barangays. Pursuant to RA No. 7160, known as the
Local Government Code of 1991, the municipality, like any other local
government unit, enjoys total independence in managing, deciding and
planning its own administrative, fiscal and development affairs in conformity
with the national government's thrust for sustainable social and economic
growth.
First Class Municipality
Argao's political landscape is shaped by five major dynasties – Kintanar,
Lucero, Miñoza, Albarracin, and Ceballos-Espina. Out of 34 Presidents,
Mayors, and Vice-Presidents/Mayors, 24 belong to these dynasties. The
Kintanar family has notable figures, including two Vice-Presidents, a Mayor,
and a post-1986 People Power Revolt caretaker official. This family shares
connections with the Lucero family, which contributes two Vice-Presidents
and one Vice-Mayor.The narrative also highlights the Albarracin family,
producing two Presidents and the town's first female Vice-Mayor, Vicenta.
The Miñoza family adds complexity, with two Presidents, one Mayor, and
one Vice-Mayor. Azucena Miñoza Sesaldo, from this family, is the daughter
of a former Mayor and married to another past Mayor, Daniel Sesaldo.
Completing the dynasties is the Ceballos-Espina family, producing two
Presidents, one Vice-President, and the former Mayor, Edsel A. Galeos.
Two big names exist today in the politics of Argao, Caminero and Sesaldo
which is our current Mayor in Argao, Mayor Allan Sesaldo.

INCUMBENT MAYOR
(Name and Political Party)
DOMINANT POLITICAL PARTY
(Which local political party is strongest in
your local community? Check the
affiliations of the local chief executive,
councilors, and other local leaders.)
2022 ELECTORAL COMPETITION
Who competed for the Mayoral seat in your
local community in the past election?
Distinguish the administration and
opposition. Provide a brief background for
each.
ALLAN M. SESALDO – ONE CEBU
ONE CEBU
ADMINISTRATION
Name: Allan M. Sesaldo
Background: Sesaldo is a member
of the One Cebu, and is
campaigning in Argao. He is
campained under the ballot name
"SESALDO, ALLAN (1CEBU)".
This candidate is ranfor the position
OPPOSITION
Name: Wilfredo Caminero
Background: Mayor of Argao (1998–
2007)
Caminero started his political career
after winning as a municipal councilor
of Argao in the 1988 elections. He
went on to become the town's vice
 of Municipal Mayor. The mayor is
responsible for supervising all
programs, projects, services, and
activities of the municipal
government, enforcing all laws and
ordinances related to governance of
the municipality and the exercise of
its corporate powers, maximizing
resource and revenue generation,
and ensuring the delivery of basic
services and the provision of
adequate facilities.
mayor from 1992 to 1998 and later
won as mayor in the 1998 elections.
Cebu Provincial Board (2007–2013)
Caminero ran for board member of
Cebu's 2nd district in the 2007
elections and went on to be re-
elected for two consecutive terms
serving until 2013.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Based on the data you have collected, what patterns in local politics can be observed?

Argao's political landscape appears more as a chain reaction than a discernible pattern, with families like Sesaldo and
Caminero consistently holding power. It's a cyclical dynamic where, if it's not a Sesaldo in office, it's a Caminero, and vice
versa. This prevalence of influential family dynasties raises questions about the long-term impact on democratic processes
and representation in Argao.
2. What do you think are issues or problems common in your local community?

One prevalent issue in our local community is the tendency for people to overlook the qualities that make a leader effective.
Often, the focus is solely on the name rather than the leadership qualities demonstrated within our town. For instance,
despite the emergence of a new grocery store, Prince Hypermart, the existing Sesaldo-owned store has seen no
improvement. The trucks parked there emit unpleasant odors, and the building is in dire need of maintenance. This
situation raises concerns about how Sesaldo manages his business, as it may reflect on his ability to lead a municipality.
Another issue involves the underappreciation of local tourism and the misuse of newly constructed roads. Despite efforts to
create wider lanes and spaces, people tend to misuse them as parking areas, undermining the intended purpose. While our
municipality is not perfect, there are ongoing improvements. It is essential that the community also plays its part in fostering
positive change.
3. Is there a relationship between your local community’s leaders and its economic development? Explain your answer.

Yes, there is a clear connection between our local leaders and how our community grows economically. Many leaders
focus on creating more businesses for everyone's benefit. This shows they understand that economic development is
crucial for the well-being of the community. The decisions our leaders make about things like infrastructure and community
development directly affect how our local economy does. Their commitment to making the economy strong is a big part of
their plans, and it really affects how well off the people in our community are. So, what our leaders do plays a big role in
how our community's economy develops.
4. Why and how do you think the local chief executive (or party) is able to access and maintain power? Why?

The local chief executive, or party, likely maintains power due to the influence of entrenched political family dynasties.
These dynasties have established deep connections with the community, given their extensive networks and numerous
family branches. This extensive familial presence has likely contributed to a sense of familiarity and loyalty among the
people, aiding the local chief executive or party in accessing and sustaining power.

REFERENCES/SOURCES OF INFORMATION
 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index. (n.d.). CMCI. https://cmci.dti.gov.ph/lgu-
profile.php?lgu=Argao
 file:///C:/Users/Arianne%20O.%20Marquez/Downloads/Argao-Executive-Summary-
2011.pdf
 Genealogist, F. (2008, January 29). The HESPEROS: ARGAO GENEALOGY SERIES: ARGAO
 POLITICS, A FAMILY AFFAIR. The HESPEROS.
https://thehesperos.blogspot.com/2008/01/argao-genealogy-series-argao-politics.html
 ‌Halalan 2022 Philippine Election Results | ABS-CBN News. (2022). ABS-CBN News.
https://halalanresults.abs-cbn.com/local/cebu/argao