Mark Louie Monungol has made historical past because the newly elected mayor of Jagna, Bohol. At 31 years outdated, he’s not solely the youngest particular person to carry the place, but additionally the municipality’s first brazenly LGBTQIA+ mayor.
I need to construct a authorities that features everybody. Train them easy methods to fish and make them really feel I’m with them each step of the best way—walang maiiwan sa laylayan, tanan mag-uban mo-asenso.
MARK MONUNGOL
MAYOR-ELECT OF JAGNA, BOHOL
Monungol’s journey to public service started early. From grade faculty via highschool, he was constantly elected class mayor. He discovered pleasure in serving to others, even via small acts like sharing his meals. What began as easy kindness ultimately grew into a real ardour for serving his group.
“I really like sharing my Baon (packed lunch),” Monungol shared. “I carry additional meals to share with my classmates every single day—and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Earlier than getting into municipal politics, Monungol served as barangay captain, the place he led applications that targeted on well being, vitamin, emergency response, and livelihood. These included distributing nutritional vitamins and milk to senior residents and individuals with disabilities, operating month-to-month feeding applications for youngsters, and even funding small infrastructure enhancements like drainage and CCTV installations.
Many of those tasks, he famous, had been carried out along with his private funds when authorities help was restricted. His efforts earned him the Asia Golden Icon Award as a Visionary Chief in Group Service and Governance.
He ran for mayor with the slogan, “Simply Louie, you are the precedence,” which he says displays his people-first method. However his candidature wasn’t with out challenges. As a younger LGBTQIA+ with out a school diploma, Monungol confronted discrimination and criticism. Nonetheless, he remained dedicated to proving his functionality.
“Being homosexual or not having a diploma shouldn’t cease anybody from serving,” he stated. “I could also be younger, LGBT, and nonetheless an undergrad—however I could make my dream come true as a result of I really like combating for the individuals who imagine in me.”
As mayor-elect, Monungol plans to proceed specializing in inclusive and community-based applications. He hopes to make native authorities extra accessible and responsive, particularly for teams which can be typically ignored.
“I need to construct a authorities that features everybody,” he stated. “Train them easy methods to fish and make them really feel I’m with them each step of the best way—Nothing left within the layer, all to-rest Mo-Asenso (nobody will likely be left behind, we’ll progress collectively).”
Monungol’s win is very significant throughout Satisfaction Month. For him, Satisfaction is about displaying the worth that LGBTQIA+ individuals carry to all areas—together with management.
“We’re not simply meant to be tolerated. We are supposed to celebrated,” he stated.
To LGBTQIA+ youth, Monungol provides a message of encouragement: Don’t be afraid. Seize each alternative that comes your means. Come out, be loud, be proud! We’re a part of this group, and we’re all God’s creation.
His election is not only a private milestone, however an indication of progress, and a reminder that public service is for everybody.
