| Governor
Alvaro T. Antonio, was born in February 19, 1952 in Centro
Alcala Cagayan. The second among the six children of Atty.
Jose Teaòo Antonio – a retired judge and delegate
in the 1971 constitutional convention, and the late Teresita
Dichoso Trinidad.
“Ambong”, as he is dearly called by his family
and colleagues, married the charming and brilliant lass Teresita
Gammad Ignacio of Tumauini Isabela, presently the second-term
mayor of Alcala. Ambong and Tessie had borne three children
namely, Cristina, Criselda and the late Balong, the only boy
whom they lost to a long-time ailment, a couple of years ago.
The
significant years in the political influences of Gov. Antonio
emanates from their brood of leaders and public servants.
Thus, his wisdom that peace and progress may be attained by
the sincere and collective efforts of all members of society
has always been the dogma of his political standards. But
his insatiable attitude for knowledge and respect for education
is a legacy that he vividly recalls to have acquired from
his mother.
In 1964, Ambong graduated as valedictorian in elementary at
the Alcala Central School. Then in 1968, he graduated salutatorian
in high school at the san Jacinto Seminary, in Tuguegarao
City. In 1972 he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in
Philosophy at the University of Santo Tomas – the same
institution where he took his Bachelor of Laws that he finished
in 1976, the same year that he passed the Bar Examination
with a grade of 82.15%.
Instead of joining popular and private law firms to spur his
Legal Profession, the young and promising lawyer rather opted
to devote his budding career with the common people protecting
their rights and advocating their individual welfare. Thus
Atty. Bong voluntarily served for five years as a pro-bono
lawyer at the Citizens Legal Action Office (CLAO), now the
Public Assistance Office or PAO.
In
1986, Atty Bong was appointed as the OIC-Mayor of Alcala Cagayan
of which he continued to reach out to the poor and underprivileged
people of his town. This outstanding commitment to serve has
become the impetus to this elective position as mayor in 1998
covering three terms of relentless and unwavering dedication
to develop the potentials of his beloved birthplace.
On July 9, 2007- this relentless and dynamic public servant
whose dedication towards public service are inspired by his
innate virtues and attitude, guided by spiritual prudence
– hence, the Cagayanos have spoken unanimously and declared
the Hon. Alvaro T. Antonio as the new governor of Cagayan.
The Battle Cry – CAGAYAN GISING! which stirred the hearts
and minds of many sleeping souls shall remain to be the driving
force for all Cagayanos, who confided with the principles
and convictions of this brave man from Alcala.
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