Mayor Ed Towards A New Carigara

By Miriam G. Desacada

True leadership isn’t defined by age or years in office—it’s driven by strong character, a vision for change, and a commitment to putting people first. That is the philosophy 29-year-old Mayor Eduardo “Ed” Ong Jr. brings to Carigara, Leyte, one of the country’s oldest municipalities.

As one of the Philippines’ youngest local chief executives, Mayor Ed offers a fresh perspective to a town founded in 1571. Armed with a Management degree from De La Salle University, he combines a practical, organized approach to governance with a determination to modernize municipal services and address long-standing community needs.

Mayor Ed’s path to public service began shortly after college when he was elected vice mayor. Inspired by his late father, former Mayor Eduardo “Boy” Ong Sr., he learned the core values of sincere public service early on.

While honoring his father’s legacy, Mayor Ed is forging his own path—challenging outdated practices, pushing for meaningful reforms, and proving that effective leadership is about decisive action for the public good.

In 2023, Mayor Ed made the contentious decision to cancel the traditional animal-fighting events of Carigara’s centuries-old Turogpo Festival. Celebrated every Black Saturday in Barangay Camansi since the Spanish colonial era, the festival historically featured live animal matches, including carabao fights (pasungay), horse fights (paaway), and cockfighting (carambola).

To enforce compliance with Republic Act No. 8485 (The Animal Welfare Act of 1998), Mayor Ed replaced the blood-sport competitions with non-violent events, such as a community Mass and commemorative activities. Despite public criticism, he firmly defended the decision, maintaining that preserving cultural heritage should never compromise animal welfare or the rule of law.

Currently, his administration is pursuing a development approach that goes beyond infrastructure. His mantra is that infrastructure alone cannot guarantee progress if ordinary families continue to struggle to earn a living. “Kung may kalsada pero walang hanapbuhay ang tao, hindi pa rin tayo tunay na umasenso,” he said.

Focusing on people-centered programs, Mayor Ed believes that real progress is measured by how much projects improve everyday lives rather than just the number of buildings constructed. True to this belief, his administration prioritizes direct community support by offering stronger livelihood programs for farmers and fisherfolk, skills training, business assistance, and income-generating projects for women and youth. To support public health, the local government also provides free maintenance medicines for senior citizens.

Mayor Ed also believes that, while modern facilities open up new opportunities, a reliable income is what truly allows families to thrive. Thus, his goal is to combine infrastructure development with healthcare, livelihood programs, and responsible governance so that progress reaches every barangay in Carigara.

Combining public service with the energy of youth, practical management training, and a family legacy of leadership, Mayor Ed is leading Carigara toward meaningful change. He sees leadership as setting a clear direction, making tough decisions, and delivering help where it is needed most. Ultimately, his goal is to balance Carigara’s rich heritage with modern needs, building a town that moves forward together with its people.

Mayor Ed apparently wants a new Carigara, ready for the future.