MikeLigalig.com

Written By Loy M. Palapos

The zeal to serve can become a lifetime passion, especially for those whose concern transcends personal interest. These are individuals who have climbed up Maslowe's hierarchy of needs, a pyramid that commences with the physiological and ends up with self-fulfillment. Reaching the topmost ladder, they usually get rid of selflessness and feel attuned to their environment and cannot ask for more.

In the case of Jose Irag Ugdoracion, Jr. serving the people of Alburquerque is a lifetime obsession. He is most fulfilled and happiest caring for his constituents whom he has championed for more than 15 long years. He could have lived a life of ease in the United States of America, where his family and relatives are living comfortably. He tried it for a couple of years, only to realize that, despite access to financial and material luxury, he was not a happy man. Constant introspection resulted to his conclusion that his desire to come home was unquenchable. He had to be back to his beloved hometown to feel complete.

He packed his bags and bid farewell to his family, relatives, and friends. The land of milk and honey was not for him. For him, fulfillment means serving the people of Albur. When he was back, his peers, relatives, friends, and even a big chunk of the town and province's officialdom, urged him to seek the Mayoralty post once again. At first, he was reluctant, considering the odds he had to confront. But the tide of encouragement rose to a point when he was inspired to give an affirmative response to the clamor. He ran as Mayor, and won.

Joe was born in Alburquerque, Bohol on October 15, 1940. His father, Jose Makiling Ugdoracion, Sr., was a Sanitary Inspector. His mother, Antonia Miero Irag, became an Elementary School Teacher after the war. His father passed away when Jun was only 4 years old. Even in his teens he helped his mother sell fish in different towns on market days. Life for him was not served on a silver platter. He had strive hard to earn for his and his family's needs.

He graduated from the Alburquerque Elementary school and Rafael Palma College High School Department With Honors. He enrolled at RPC (University of Bohol) and took up Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. In his sophomore year he went to Manila and studied at MAPUA and then at FEATI Institute of Technology. While studying he was a working student. There was a time he was employed as a Security Guard.

Public service is not alien to the Ugdoracion family. His father was working at the Municipal Hall, and inspected and improved the barangays' sanitation. His grandfather, Julian Ugdoracion, started his public career as Juez de Paz of Sevilla, Bohol. Then he became Mayor of Alburquerque for two terms, a total of 7 years of dedicated service. It does not come as a surprise, therefore, that Jun always has the affection for service.

Jun Ugdoracion has a sister, Clarita U. Flores, a Registered Nurse in New Jersey, USA, where she also retired. His brother, Heracleo, used to live in Paete, Laguna, and he now resides with his family in Guam.

Mayor Ugdoracion is married to Amelita b***t from Mambusao, Capiz. He met her in Manila, while she was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree at the University of the East. She worked for several years at the Manila Bank, until her retirement.

The couple has three sons. Jay Jose finished Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Holy Name University. He is now a Registered Nurse in New Jersey, USA. Jet Jose finished Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) at HNU. Formerly a Municipal Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) President, and was a Barangay Kagawad before he became a Municipal Councilor for one term of 3 years. Don Jose is the third. He graduated from a course in Computer System Design and Programming at AMA CLC. Like his elder brother, he was also formerly a Municipal SK Federation President, and was later employed at OPSWD of the Province of Bohol as a Computer Instructor.

Mayor Ugdoracion's entry into politics started in 1965, when he worked in the Nationalista National Headquarters. A better opportunity for advancement, both rank-wise and financially came when he was employed at the Office of the President in Malacañang, in the Local Government Office of Secretary Flores b***t, a job he did from 1966 to 1973. From 1978 to 1981 he was at the COMELEC Office of Commissioner Flores b***t. In 1978, he did a change of atmosphere and job. He was taken in as Assistant General Manager of C.B. Contractor in Manila, with Construction and Recruitment Agency for workers sent to Saudi Arabia, and was hired as Manpower Consultant/In-charge of Jalib Trading in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He came back to the country and witnessed the People Power Revolution at EDSA.

He was assigned OIC Mayor of Alburquerque from 1986 to 1988. In the 1988 election he ran for Mayor and handily won. Two other terms of 3 years each followed, when he again ran and won. After the third term, he still had some projects to pursue, but the new Election Code disqualified a fourth term. Still willing to serve his town, he was appointed Municipal Councilor from 1998 to 2001. After three years he went to America.

Now that is back, he has flexed his muscles for immediate action. It may be recalled that when he was still an OIC Mayor in 1987, he constructed a new Municipal Building, a move that was well-appreciated by the Alburanons. He supplied water system to 7 coastal barangays, organized fisherman's associations, improved the lighting facilities, and introduced the telephone, constructed a wharf, and renovated the market. Even with religious projects he involved himself as a member of the Knights of Columbus.

His priority projects are aimed at income generation. Sand and gravel from Leyte are delivered at the town's pier; thus, the need to renovate it as a source of funds. He even helps in complying with the requirements for the dressing plant owned by his perceived political adversary, for he understands that this is the livelihood of San Miguel contract growers of chicken. Its full operation is financial gain for the town.

During his previous term as Mayor of Albur, the Municipality was raised form 6th to 5th class. He also would tackle the sanitary landfill controversy. He is just surprised why there is already a "notice to proceed" and the winning bidder was already known, when all the requirements were met yet fulfilled. He has not seen the feasibility study. The transparent proceed must be observed," he said, and he is willing to settle down with are stakeholders and settle the issue. "As long as it is for the good of Albur."

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