LEGAZPI CITY — The residents of Catanduanes have made their voices heard. They backed an educator’s bid during the midterm elections and chose to bring an end to the political dynasty that has dominated “The Land of the Howling Winds” for over twenty years.
Patrick Alain Azanza, the 56-year-old ex-president of Catanduanes State University, has become the newest governor of Catanduanes following his victory over Peter Cua, sibling of the current departing governor Joseph Cua, in an intense electoral race held on May 12, 2025.
In the island province of Catanduanes, there are 200,804 recorded voters, including 102,312 men and 98,492 women, spread across 248 polling stations.
Azanza garnered 76,169 votes and Cua got 75,807 votes for a margin of 362 votes.
Azanza informed The Manila Times that he decided to step down from his position at Catanduanes State University after the community urged him to campaign against the Cuas.
He was initially hesitant about pursuing the position of governor, stating that he lacked both influence and political infrastructure.
He mentioned that he comes from a lineage of teachers. Both his parents worked as educators at the Catanduanes State University, and his spouse is also an instructor.
The students, however, enticed him to run for governor and with the strong push from the youth sector and the abaca farmers, he prevailed against a dynasty.
"These students assisted me in winning the election...to combat poverty and monopolies impacting abaca farmers, fishermen, and agricultural workers, with most of these students hailing from underprivileged backgrounds at Catanduanes State University," stated Azanza, who contested as an independent candidate.
Approximately 90 to 95 percent of my supporters oppose dynasties and monopolies, and about 60 percent of the students at Catanduanes State University hail from families who cultivate abaca.
"I received support from the community; 38 local entrepreneurs pledged to assist by providing vehicles, trucks, and a sound system for my campaign," he stated.
"Tricycle operators initiated their campaign; the people provided food for the volunteers and free transportation. It's a bayanihan way of campaigning.
I don’t have a team funded by a campaign. It’s entirely composed of volunteers who used their personal resources to support my run. Young people put in tremendous effort, going door-to-door to spread the word. Even our seniors, trusting in the idea of ‘padagos na patanos,’ which means continuing to do what is right, joined in enthusiastically.
Azanza expressed gratitude to the residents of Catanduanes for assisting him in bringing an end to the Cua dynasty, pointing out that Governor Joseph Cua was defeated by Sinforoso Sarmiento in the race for mayor in Virac, and Chino Cua did not secure a position in the local city council.
"As the newly appointed governor, I plan to bring major companies such as Petron and Shell into Catanduanes to challenge the current gasoline monopoly. Additionally, we aim to establish a provincial gas station where we can offer fuel at fair prices," he stated.
The path forward in Catanduanes will be clear of monopolies and dynasties. Once these dynastries are removed, genuine progress in Catanduanes becomes imminent, offering a ray of hope.