By Cyrus A. Natividad

Iloilo 3rd District Representative Matt P. Palabrica.

CPU Board of Trustees Member and Iloilo 3rd District Representative Dr. Matt Plagata Palabrica was the guest in the CPUTV Channel Public Affairs Program, Looking Forward on Tuesday at 10:30 AM. Palabrica is a CPU High School Graduate of 1988, and of the CPU College of Agriculture in 1992. He has a Masters in Management degree in Public Administration, and has finished his PhD degree in Development Administration from Philippine Christian University.

He has been Mayor of the Municipality of Bingawan, Iloilo for 9 years from 2007-2016. He also ran as Vice Mayor and won; when his younger brother Mark Palabrica was elected as Mayor. The multi-awarded Local Government Executive was later elected as Board Member of the 3rd District of Iloilo Province. He is now in his second term as Bingawan Representative in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo province.

Asked about the importance of higher education, in terms of having additional educational attainment at this time, Palabrica explained that, “As a Board Member, it is not only a commitment to serve, but serving the people with an excellent or sterling performance. Being a Member of the Board is a different thing,” he said. Outcomes of his dedicated service for development is shown in the programs and projects implemented not only in his district, but in the province as well.

Palabrica shared insights relevant to the development and future of agriculture in the country, as well as supporting the CPU College of Agriculture –the faculty and the students. He added that “We need to be competitive in terms of rice production; relating to the current issue of rice importation where promoting certain variety of rice in the local market should be more competitive.”

Agricultural importation, he said, is one of the causes of inflation. He believes that “Centralians should not be a part of the problem, but problem solvers.” His idea of the Central Spirit is that Centralians gather together, working together to create greater, excellent solutions; responsive to the times.

He observed that CPU CARES is responsive to the needs of agriculture in Iloilo province. He is thankful that many students of CPU CARES are doing research and outreach activities in their district. He also mentioned the amiable project on chickens of CARES Dean Dr. Jaime Cabarles.

As a devote Christian, SP Matt Palabrica, submitted a resolution to the Sanguniang Panlalawigan making institutional Bible reading in all government offices in the province a must. The resolution was unanimously approved.

Dr. Palabrica is happily maried to Precel Gallaza Palabrica. They have 4 children.