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each generation defines the leaders of its own time, then
by example, Governor Robert Ace Barbers would doubtless fit
into the mould of today’s young but unarguably rare
breed of principled politicians.
For once thrust into the rigors of politics,
this dynamic young local chief executive from the South, never
easily gives up - never wavers - even against the raging currents
of public pulse. Like former US Pres. Thomas Jefferson, Gov.
Ace Barbers always stands firm and immovable in his principles
as a rock.
His high passion for changes in the crippling
traditional ways of unbridled patronage against which the
new deal politics is relentlessly trying to eradicate, earned
him the honor of “courage under fire” personified,
a seal of approval for the roles he constantly played in the
fight against graft and corruption in government.
Gov. Barbers got a convincing mandate as
governor of the Province of Surigao del Norte in the May 14,
2007 elections after representing the 2nd district of Surigao
del Norte in the House of Representatives for three consecutive
terms since 1998. A decade prior to becoming a full-fledged
lawmaker, he was elected chairman of the SK Federation in
Makati City, thus far making it his first exposure in public
service where he proudly served with distinction and honor.
In the League of Provinces of the Philippines,
his colleagues in the CARAGA Region elected him as regional
chairman to represent them in the National Executive Board.
He believes that none of these facts, however,
do happen by sheer force of fate or by an accident, but a
“deliberate act in the quest of one’s commitment
and faith” to serve the people. A businessman by profession
before his entry in political scene, Ace adheres to the iron
law of responsibility, that once a man is placed in a position
of leadership and authority - power must be wisely used to
benefit the society.
Ace is happily married to Oriental Mindoro’s
beauteous lass, Bernadette Sison, to whom he is blessed with
four children who are named after playing card labels: Robert
King, Robert Jack, Robert Ace, Jr. and Robert Joker.
To further hone his skills, Governor Robert
Ace Barbers took up a master’s degree in public administration
and governance at the University of the Philippines.
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