The Progressive Golden Era of Pagadian: A Legacy of Mayor Samuel Co’s Visionary Leadership

Sherman Calotes | Mindanao People's Press 

In one of the most celebrated political comebacks in Mindanao, Mayor Samuel "Sammy" Sy Co has once again secured a resounding victory in the 2025 local elections cementing his final term as Mayor of Pagadian City. With this historic mandate, Co becomes the longest-serving mayor in Pagadian’s history and a beacon of transformative governance in Mindanao.

Ovet Two Decades of Transformative  Leadership Mayor Co began his public service journey in 1998 as a city councilor, later serving as vice mayor from 2003 to 2004. His first term as mayor began in 2004, and after three consecutive terms and a brief political break, he returned to office in 2019—guiding the city into a progressive, inclusive, and economically empowered future.

Now in 2025, Co enters his final term with a legacy defined by more than 20 years of public service, development milestones, and deep connection with his constituents.

Mayor Co’s leadership has transformed Pagadian from a coastal provincial capital into a booming urban hub. Among the city’s most impactful achievements, He led the relocation of key government offices from Zamboanga City to Pagadian, officially establishing it as the administrative center of Region IX, which increased local job opportunities and government presence.

He oversaw the expansion of the Pagadian City Domestic Airport, improving air travel and accessibility for business and tourism ,Through the creation of the City Commercial Center (C3) the Philippines' first government-owned mall Co promoted local businesses, generated city income, and set a national precedent for public-private development.

In 2025, two high-impact projects elevated Pagadian’s image as a thriving regional capital, the Robinsons Place Pagadian  Opened in April 2025, this premier mall across City Hall features retail giants, dining options, and the city’s first high-end cinemas, enriching local lifestyle and economy. The Pagadian City Water Park Inaugurated on April 30, 2025 along the scenic Baywalk, this free public water park promotes recreation, tourism, and wellness for families across the region.

Under Mayor Co’s leadership, Pagadian City has become a 1st Class Component City and gained national and regional recognition for its performance, innovation, and social impact, 2023 Bayani of the Year, 2023 Subay Bayani Awardee, Champion for Urban Poor Program in Mindanao, 2024 Outstanding Servant of the Poor Awardee, 2024 Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping Awardee, 2024 Transformative Innovation Awardee, 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG)  Scored 9 out of 10 governance areas, a rare feat nationwide, Top 40 Wealthiest Cities in the Philippines, Top Richest Component City in Visayas and Mindanao, Top 6 Lowest Poverty Incidence in Mindanao

These awards reflect not only administrative excellence but also Co’s genuine compassion for the marginalized and his vision for sustainable development.

In the 2025 elections, Mayor Co triumphed over incumbent Governor Victor Yu by more than 1,400 votes (64,174 vs. 62,708). The result affirmed the people’s enduring trust in his leadership and vision for Pagadian’s continued rise.

Mayor Co is known for being accessible, results-oriented, and deeply community-driven. He visits barangays regularly, engages with local vendors, supports grassroots programs, and ensures his projects reflect the people’s real needs.

He is seen not only as a political leader but also as a visionary, a builder, and a father figure whose leadership has brought jobs, improved healthcare, modern infrastructure, and safe, welcoming public spaces to thousands of families.

As he begins his final term in office, Mayor Sammy Co aims to strengthen institutional reforms, expand infrastructure, and invest further in the youth, the poor, and future industries. His goal is to ensure that Pagadian’s progress continues far beyond his tenure.

His leadership has ushered in Pagadian's Progressive Golden Era, a time marked by inclusive development, sound governance, and bold innovation. While laws may end his term, his legacy will live on in every road, every building, every job created, and every life uplifted under his administration.

Pagadianons are not just witnessing history they are living in it.