ONE OF THE LEGACIES that outgoing Gov. LRay Villafuerte is leaving behind is the successful hosting by Caramoan of the hit reality TV series “Survivor.” The Survivor season shot in Caramoan has been enjoying one of the highest ratings in the US TV market. PHOTO COURTESY OF CBS STUDIOS USA
PILI, Camarines Sur – With the proclamation of Miguel Luis “Migz” Villafuerte as the youngest ever governor of Camarines Sur, a third-generation Villafuerte will continue the family’s more than 20 years of uninterrupted reign at the Camarines Sur capitol.
Migz, governor at 24 years old, will have to carry on his shoulders the responsibility to govern Camarines Sur, the biggest province in Bicol, and keep alive the Villafuerte name.
Migz, now officially governor-elect of the province after his proclamation on Thursday, will succeed his father, Luis Raymund or LRay, when the new set of elected officials assumes office in June.
Migz won the race with a margin of more than 60,000 votes over his closest rival, his grandfather Luis Villafuerte Sr.
Nelly Villafuerte, LRay’s mother, had wanted to succeed her husband Luis Sr. in the third congressional district but was beaten by Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo’s widow, Leni.
Migz is aware that because of his youth, he has a lot to prove amid doubts on his capacity to govern the biggest Bicol province.
Migz, a graduate of political science at the University of San Diego in California in 2012, said he would uplift the lives of the people of Camarines Sur by continuing what his father started.
He is referring to the phenomenal rise of Camarines Sur in tourism. The province has become a top tourism destination starting in 2010, according to the Department of Tourism, largely due to the success of the CamSur Watersports Complex, a brainchild of LRay.
Also, the province was put on the international tourism map through Caramoan, which became the venue of the popular reality TV series “Survivor.”
“Public service is not about age, sex or religion,” Migz said. “I believe that to be a good leader, one must be sincere and dedicated,” he said.
Migz said that in his first 100 days in office, he will start by going back to basic services—providing barangays with drinking water, classrooms and livelihood from tourism.
“It’s simple,” he said. “I will continue and add to the good projects my father has started,” he added.