Mariano F.B. Perdices: The Undefeated Governor of Negros Oriental (1959-1972)

Abstract

This study is about the governorship of Mariano Perdices from 1959 to 1972. It focuses on the latter part of Mariano Perdices’ political career as governor of Negros Oriental. Suffice it to say, this study aims to discuss how Perdices – who started his political career as councilor of Dumaguete in 1932, then eventually mayor of Dumaguete during the Japanese occupation and later from 1954-1959 – became Governor of Negros Oriental and why he became very popular among Oriental Negrenses. Much emphasis is given to his achievements in infrastructure, health, and education. As a work of local history, the researcher then relies on interviews from the Perdices family and friends, and also documentary sources (i.e. books, newspaper/magazine articles, government archives). Based on the findings, it is indubitably clear that Perdices was a hardworking, well-respected, and decent politician – indeed, a man of his time; his achievements in the fields of infrastructure, sports, health, and education were aplenty, and that – aside from his character – primarily became one of the reasons why he remained undefeated as Governor of Negros Oriental.