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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 Bayot 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 Bayot, a job he did from 1966 to 1973. From 1978 to
1981 he was at the COMELEC Office of Commissioner Flores Bayot.
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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