Governor Joseph C. Cua is known as a political icon in the Province of Catanduanes. He is a seasoned politician having been elected as Mayor in the Municipality of San Andres, and as Governor of Catanduanes for more than 15 years of interrupted term. Over the same period of years, he has committed himself to the cause of bringing Catanduanes to the progress it has achieved to this day.
As Governor, Governor Cua aims to alleviate the lives of the people of Catanduanes, focusing on delivery quality health care, and assistance to indigent communities. Under his administration, the province became third province with lowest poverty incidence in Bicol, from being the highest in previous years. Under his wings, the Province of Catanduanes pioneered full scholarship program for would-be doctors and lawyers with the aim to bring the scholars back to Catanduanes and serve its people. Furthermore, the province also approved its first Mental Health Ordinance, which is considered as many as a responsive response to the issues of the province. Furthermore, in battle against Covid-19, Catanduanes is also the province with highest vaccination rate in the whole region, and is set to achieve herd immunity soon. Known for his brand of leadership that is “Serbisyo Sentro sa Tawo” which speaks, listens and serves directly to its people, his gubernatorial campaign in recent elections has been characterized by large margin victory. At present, he is now the first governor to complete three term as governor since the time of the Alberto’s during the Marcos’ Martial Law Rule. Governor Cua’s political career is truly one for the books. At age 60, he is still committed to do the mission he has answered when he first heed the call for public service- serve Catanduanes, and serve them with kindness and love – hence his alias “Padabang Gobernador”.