Jose Catindig, Jr.

Jose Biohon Catindig, Jr. (born January 13, 1962) also known as Joey is the former mayor of Santa Rosa City from 2005 to 2007. He was the vice mayor of Santa Rosa, Laguna from 2001 to 2004, and (2004) to (2005) under Leon Arcillas and 1995 to 1998 under Roberto "Tito" Gonzales. He currently lives in Terra Fortuna 2, a village in Santa Rosa City.

Early life

He is born to a simple family on January 13, 1962, in Balibago, Santa Rosa City, Laguna. He is the youngest of nine children of Jose Y. Catindig and Ignacia del Mundo Biojon. He studied primary education at the Balibago Elementary School, finished secondary schooling at the Santa Rosa Educational Institution and finished tertiary studies at the Adamson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.

Political life

Barangay Politician (1989-1995)

He dreamt of entering politics early in his life and by 1989 he ran in the barangay election and became a barangay councilor and barangay captain of Balibago. After his term, he ran as municipal councilor and won in 1992 and served his full term up to 1995.

Vice Mayor (1995-1998)

He was elected by the people as the vice mayor in the following election. He lost his bid, however, when he ran for mayor in 1998 election.

Vice Mayor (2001-2004)

Year 2001 saw his comeback in Santa Rosa’s political arena.

Vice Mayor (2004-2005)

He was re-elected as vice mayor of the town up to the time it became a city on July 10, 2004.

Mayor (2005-2007)

The untimely death of then Mayor Leon Arcillas on May 10, 2005 compelled him to take on the highest position in city government. In the unexpected turn of events, he boldly and whole-heartedly took on the new challenge of serving Santa Rosa City continuing to set goals and projects that will further develop the city and benefit the people. On September 15, 2006, Mayor Catindig was suspended by the Office of the President thru the Executive Secretary but returned to his office on February 10, 2007. He ran for mayor at the 2007 Elections but he came in 2nd place behind the deceased mayor's Leon Arcillas eldest daughter, Arlene.

Political Theme

At present, Catindig's primary thrust is education, health, employment and housing. Another concern of his is the heavy traffic flow on the main thoroughfares of Santa Rosa. Although it can not be totally prevented, steps have been taken to ease the flow of vehicles in the city’s roads; opening all possible diversion roads and secondary routes, cleaning up the image of the traffic enforcers, instilling discipline, and courtesy, proper and correct training to wit. His call, “Tindig Bayan Sulong Mamamayan” (literally, Rise up town, go townmates) could not have been more apt.

External links

• Jose B. Catindig, Jr in Santa Rosa City Official Website