Let’s get to know the dedicated leader who served Mati with humility and compassion, the 25th Mayor of Mati, 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒐 𝑳𝒖𝒊𝒔 𝑷. 𝑹𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒕.
Elected as City Mayor for two consecutive terms from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2019, he is the eldest son of former Mayor Luis Garcia Rabat, Jr., and Amelia Peralta Rabat.
Mayor Carlo is married to Maria Emperatriz Villarica Garcia-Rabat, and together, they are blessed with four accomplished children: Atty. Luisito Emmanuel, Engr. Lorenzo Leon, Dr. Veronica Milagros, and Leonardo Sebastian.
A graduate of Ateneo de Davao University with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Agri-business, Mayor Carlo began his public service journey as a Provincial Board Member for the Second District of Davao Oriental from 1998 to 2004, where he served as Senior Board Member. He later became Vice Mayor of Mati from 2010 to 2013 before assuming the position of City Mayor.
Known affectionately as Batman, Mayor Carlo embodied his tagline, ‘Serbisyo Mula sa Puso Ko’, by leading with genuine care and love for his people. Daghang salamat, Mayor Carlo, for your heartfelt service and unwavering commitment to the progress and development of our beloved city.
16/12/2024
Let’s get to know the remarkable leader, dedicated public servant, and sports icon, the 24th Mayor of Mati, 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐 𝑮𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒊𝒂 𝑹𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒕, fondly known as "𝑷𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈".
Born on June 19, 1934, to Don Luis Sainz Rabat Sr. and Doña Rosa Garcia Rabat, Mayor Paking proudly carried both Spanish and Mandaya mestiza heritage. He and his wife, Merced Edith Nakpil, a former Miss Philippines 1965, raised five children: Louis Philippe, Jose Francisco, Michael Patrick, Michelle Marie Denise, and Anthony John Eric.
A true sports icon, Mayor Paking was the youngest player on the Philippine national basketball team that secured a bronze medal at the 1954 FIBA World Championship. His excellence on the court earned him the nickname "Rajah of Rebound" and the title of MVP with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
In public service, he served as Vice Governor, Provincial Board Member, Governor of Davao Oriental, and Mayor of Mati from 2001 to 2007. He played a key role in Mati's centennial celebration in 2003 and its transition to cityhood in 2007.
His legacy, from the basketball courts to the halls of governance, exemplifies true leadership—one who inspired through action and compassion. Daghang salamat sa imong serbisyo, kabahin ka sa progreso ug kalambuan ni ining atong syudad.
14/12/2024
Let’s get to know the dedicated leader who served Mati and its people with unwavering faith and compassion, the 23rd Mayor of Mati, 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒐 𝑮𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒊𝒂 𝑹𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒕
Elected as mayor for three consecutive terms from July 1, 1992, to June 30, 2001, he holds the distinction of being the only mayor under the Fifth Republic to complete his full term.
Born on March 5, 1939, Mayor BGR carried the proud heritage of his parents, Don Luis Sainz Rabat Sr. of Spanish descent and Doña Rosa Garcia Rabat, a Mandaya mestiza. A loving husband to Florinda Isabel Sapal, they raised two children, Ma. Glenda Monette Rabat-Gayta and John Benito Jude Rabat.
A devoted lay minister before entering politics, his faith-driven service defined his leadership. Known as the "Mayor of the Masses," he was a three-time recipient of the Bayani ng Maralita award under President Fidel V. Ramos, a testament to his relentless efforts in uplifting the poor and marginalized.
A devoted family man, public servant, and church lay minister, Mayor BGR’s legacy continues to inspire the people of Mati. Daghang salamat, Mayor Benito Rabat, for your extraordinary service and compassion.
13/12/2024
Let’s get to know the visionary leader who brought youthful energy and innovation to Mati, the 22nd Mayor of Mati, 𝑬𝒅𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒐 𝑬𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒂 𝑳𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒛.
Mayor Lopez’s journey from managing his family farm to becoming one of Mati’s youngest mayors at 28 exemplifies his dedication to progress and service. During his tenure from 1988 to 1992, he steered Mati toward financial stability and sustainable growth.
Beyond governance, he elevated local agriculture through ENLopez Farms, making it the largest exporter of high-quality bananas to global markets.
Daghang salamat, Mayor Lopez, sa imong walay puas nga serbisyo ug integridad. Your legacy remains a cornerstone of Mati's progress and success.
16/11/2024
Let’s get to know the dedicated leader who once called Mati his second home, the 21st Mayor of Mati, 𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒗𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒓 𝑷𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒐 𝑮𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒛.
From his beginnings as an agriculturist in Menzi Farms to his tenure as Barangay Kagawad and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member, Mayor Gutierrez devoted his life to the service and growth of Mati and Davao Oriental. He was a family man, raising his children with love and resilience, and a visionary leader whose commitment to public service was unwavering.
Daghang salamat, Mayor Gutierrez, sa imong mahinungdanong kontribusyon sa atong syudad. Your legacy of dedication and leadership will forever be remembered.
09/11/2024
Let’s get to know the 20th Mayor of Mati, 𝑺𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒐 𝑹𝒖𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒔.
From humble beginnings to a legacy of service, Mayor Valles dedicated his life to the progress and development of our beloved city. His short but impactful term as leader proved that true leadership isn’t about the length of service but the depth of commitment. His vision and actions continue to inspire generations of Matinians.
Daghang salamat, Mayor Valles, sa imong serbisyo ug kontribusyon alang sa kalambuan sa atong syudad. Your legacy lives on.
01/11/2024
𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: 𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐢 𝐬𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐠
Held on October 29, 2024, at Adelina Hotel and Suites, we celebrated the 5th Pagkila, honoring the remarkable contributions of Mati's past leaders who have shaped our community into what it is today. After a four-year pause due to the pandemic, we returned with renewed energy to recognize the legacy of leadership that has paved the way for our progress.
Under the guidance of Pagkilà 2024 Executive Director and City Councilor Tara Rabat Gayta, this year's event paid tribute to the defining contributions of those who came before us. Since its inception in 2016 by former Vice Mayor Glenda Rabat Gayta, Pagkilà has been a testament to the enduring Matinian spirit of service, continuously supported by the City Government of Mati under the leadership of Mayor Michelle N. Rabat.
Photos by: Office of City Councilor Tara Rabat Gayta, Ang Sidlakan Publication and Madayaw TV Productions.
31/10/2024
We want to take a moment to acknowledge and extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played an integral role in making Pagkilà 2024 a resounding success.
First and foremost, we offer our sincerest thanks to former City of Mati Vice Mayor Glenda Rabat Gayta for her vision and initiative in establishing this wonderful event back in 2016. Her dedication laid the groundwork for what has become a cherished tradition, celebrating our community, leaders, and shared values.
We also extend our gratitude to the City Government of Mati, led by Mayor Michelle N. Rabat, for its steadfast support and commitment to this event. Your leadership has ensured that Pagkilà continues to flourish, inspiring unity and pride in our city.
Additionally, we want to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the following individuals and groups whose tireless efforts and dedication have brought Pagkilà 2024 to life.
Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future filled with promise and unity. Daghang salamat.
31/10/2024
Launched in 2016 by former Vice Mayor Glenda Rabat Gayta, Pagkilà celebrates the legacy of Mati’s former mayors and has become a cornerstone of the city’s heritage. After a four-year pandemic pause, Pagkilà resumed in 2024, recognizing a final group of esteemed leaders—𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐑. 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐬, 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐏. 𝐆𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐳, 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐨 𝐄. 𝐋𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐳, 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨 𝐆. 𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭, 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨 𝐆. 𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭, and 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐨 𝐋𝐮𝐢𝐬 𝐏. 𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭—who each played pivotal roles in the city’s growth.
Since its founding in 1903, Mati has transformed into a city of over 150,000 residents committed to progress in trade, commerce, eco-tourism, and governance. As part of the Barangay Integration for Development and Action (BIDA) Program initiated in 2015 by Vice Mayor Gayta under the administration of former Mayor Carlo Luis P. Rabat, Pagkilà honors the vision and dedication of Mati’s founding figures.
Held annually during the Sambuokan Festival, Pagkilà celebrates these leaders and their achievements. In 2024, under Mayor Michelle N. Rabat, the city continues this tradition, ensuring the lasting recognition of those who have shaped Mati’s vibrant history and future.
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Pag-kilà a tribute to the pioneering leaders of Mati
In 1903, the City of Mati, then a laidback town inhabited by a few families began its journey and started making its own history. 116 years later, the City of Mati is now home to more than 150,000 people; with a relatively bustling economy boosted by healthy trade and commerce, real property development, and healthy eco-tourism industry. All this, coupled with competent governance and policy advocacy, have kept the City generally cohesive as a system.
The City boasts of friendly and hospitable people. It is a community where “unity in diversity” applies as the people is an aggregation of various tribes or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, cultural tendencies and even political inclination. But, while there is multiplicity in character, these people are generally one in making the City of Mati a decent place to work and live in.
For over a century, from generation to generation, residents of the City have made Mati their home and, consciously or not, contributed to the overall welfare of the City. Mati is what it is today because of them. It is only right & fitting that due acknowledgement be given them. Given very specific attention are the generosity and forward-looking values of Mati’s forefathers who have spared several hectares of land donated for public use. On these lands now rise government infrastructures that facilitated the efficient delivery of service to the public and the legacy of service.
This Project is an endeavor to give recognition to these people and their contributions to the development and progress of the City of Mati by continuing the spirit of paying good deeds forward, as what the pioneering Matinians have exemplified.
Through the issuance of Executive Order No. 33, Series of 2015, by the previous administration, Pagkila is one of the major programs under the IKAW ANG BIDA which is covered by its umbrella platform: Barangay Integration for Development and Action (BIDA) Program. Subsequently, with its positive impact, giving importance to the contribution of our pioneering leaders and paying tribute to the legacy they have embroidered in the lives of every Matinian, the present administration under the able leadership of Mayor Michelle N. Rabat has signified her intention to continue the project and support its activities.
In line with the forgoing undertaking, the first Pasidungog, a tribute to the pioneering leaders, was launched in a memorable event on October 29, 2016 aligned with the “Sambuokan Festival” celebration. It was commenced to honor exemplary Matinians who have had defining contributions to the development of Mati as an LGU. Francisco Rojas, the first appointed mayor during the American regime (1901-1904) ; Jose Lemente, the second appointed mayor (1904-1908) ; and Bonifacio G. Serrano, appointed mayor (1908-1912) were the first batch of honorees.
On October 28, 2017, the 2nd Pasidungog dubbed as Pag-kilà 2017 commenced again honoring past leaders. Luis Huertas Sr., appointed mayor (1912-1916) ; Don Enrique Lopez, appointed mayor (1916-1920) ; Patricio Cunanan, appointed mayor (1921-1923), and was elected in the year 1923-1927 ; Salvador Lopez Sr., the son of Don Enrique Lopez, appointed mayor (1928-1931); and Pedro Illustre, appointed mayor (1931-1934).
Last year was the 3rd Pasidungog dubbed as Pag-kilà 2018. It was held on the 27th day of October 2018 again, honoring the past leaders namely, Inocentes Marundan, elected mayor (1934-1937) ; Primitivo Gambong (1937-1940) ; Tomas Rodriguez (1940-1946) ; and Santiago P. Garcia (1946-1955 elected, 1964-1967 elected and 1968-1977 elected).
This year will be our 4th Pasidungog dubbed as Pag-kilà 2019 to be held on the 26th day of October 2019. To date, these are the list of honorees to be written in the ongoing digital manuscript of Pag-kìlà namely, Leopoldo N. Lopez Sr. (1956-1961 elected) ; Alberto V. Ravelo (1961-1963 Succession) ; Thelma Z. Almario (1968-1977 elected, April 15, 1986- Mar 23, 1987, appointed), Luis G. Rabat (1977-1978 appointed) ; Atty. Gervacio R. Valenteros Jr. (appointed January 30, 1978 and was elected from March 02, 1980 to April 14, 1986 ; and Luisito S. Gregorio (appointed Mar 24 – Nov 22, 1987).
Upon reaching the pinnacle of this program, the history of Mati will be re-written based on the painstaking ground truthing on the remarkable contribution of these noble individuals who carved the City of Mati in its present state.
