TUGUEGARAO CITY (PIA) — At 21 years old, Jamila Ruma made history by becoming the youngest to win a mayoralty race in the recently held national and local elections.
Jamila – daughter of the late Rizal, Cagayan mayor Joel Ruma – garnered 6,533 votes or 60.07 percent of the total votes cast in the municipality. Trailing behind her were Ralph Mamauag, who got 4,146 votes, and Florence Littau, who got 175 votes.
Her mother, Brenda, also won as the town’s next vice mayor.
Just a week before election day, Jamila substituted for her father, who was gunned down while campaigning at an event on April 29.
She said hers was a bittersweet victory.
“We will never forget your trust, prayers, and love, which gave us strength during this difficult battle,” she said as she expressed her gratitude to her supporters after her proclamation.
Mayor-elect Ruma graduated from De La Salle University in Manila with a degree in Development Studies. She was a consistent Dean’s Lister, recipient of the Best Thesis Award, and was named Best Thesis Presenter.
She promised to honor her father’s legacy while bringing fresh leadership to the people of Rizal.
She said her victory marks not only a personal triumph over tragedy but also a turning point in youth participation in Philippine politics. (OTB/PIA Region 2)
