The Notre Dame of Marbel University Community Bids a Final Farewell to Atty. Eliordo “Bebot” Ogena in Honor of His Life of Service

The Notre Dame of Marbel University community joins the entire Koronadal in mourning the passing of Eliordo “Bebot” Ogena, a devoted public servant, visionary leader, and champion of the people. Mayor Ogena passed away on March 8, 2026, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in service, justice, and transformative leadership.

Today, Koronadal stands united in grief and gratitude as it bids a final farewell to a man whose life’s work shaped the city into what it is today—a thriving community once described by him as “a small city with a big dream.” His passing marks the end of an era, yet his vision will continue to guide generations to come.

EARLY LIFE AND ACADEMIC FORMATION

Born on September 10, 1953, in Tantangan, Mayor Ogena was the son of Silverio Ogena and Angelica Usero. Raised in Mindanao, with family roots tracing back to Viga, he grew up grounded in the values of resilience, humility, and community service. His early years in Columbio, along with his education at Buluan Provincial High School, helped shape his character and sense of purpose.

Mayor Ogena pursued higher education with determination and excellence. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Far Eastern University and later obtained his law degree from the prestigious University of the Philippines Diliman. In 1979, he successfully passed the bar, beginning a legal career marked by integrity and advocacy.

As a human rights lawyer from 1983 to 2016, he dedicated his profession to defending the marginalized and upholding justice. He served with the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) from 1985 to 1990, advocating for human rights during critical periods in the nation’s history. At the same time, he shared his expertise as a Senior Lecturer of Law at Notre Dame of Marbel University, shaping future legal professionals.

TRAJECTORY OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND GOVERNANCE

Mayor Ogena’s transition to public service was driven by a deep commitment to creating meaningful change. His political career spanned several decades:

• Provincial Board Member of South Cotabato (1995–2001)

• Provincial Vice Governor (2001–2010), where he authored the Kabugwason Paglaum Scholarship Program, expanding access to education despite strong opposition

• City Vice Mayor of Koronadal (2010–2019), and President of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines – South Cotabato Chapter

• City Mayor of Koronadal (2019–2026)

Throughout his leadership, he remained steadfast in promoting inclusive governance and grassroots empowerment.

RECOGNITION AND NATIONAL IMPACT

Under Mayor Ogena’s leadership, Koronadal rose to national prominence. In 2024, the city earned the Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, affirming its excellence in transparency, accountability, and service delivery.

Koronadal was also recognized as “Beyond Compliant” in the 24th and 25th Gawad Kalasag Awards for its outstanding performance in disaster risk reduction and community resilience. Its commitment to education was honored through the Gawad Edukampyon Award, while its civil registry services ranked among the best in the country, earning multiple recognitions from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

In 2025, the city received the prestigious Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award, highlighting its contributions to human development and inclusive progress.

Mayor Ogena himself received numerous accolades for his exemplary leadership, including:

• Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping Award (2024)

• 3rd Place, Most Outstanding Local Chief Executive (Component City Category) by the Cooperative Development Authority

• Most Outstanding Mayor for his Barangay, Purok, and Sitio Empowerment Program

• Finalist, Outstanding Local Chief Executive in the Philippines (CDA Gawad Parangal 2024)

• 2024 Most Outstanding Media-Oriented Mayor of South Cotabato by the South Cotabato Press Corps

• 2023 Most Outstanding City Mayor in the Philippines (Gawad Edukampyon Awards)

  
  

His leadership was also featured nationally, including as the cover story of the Local Government Unit Magazine – LEAGUE in 2019. Through his vision and dedication, Koronadal achieved a historic milestone—its transformation from a third-class city into a first-class city in 2024.

A LASTING LEGACY

More than titles and awards, Mayor Ogena will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to people-centered leadership. He firmly believed that true progress begins at the grassroots, and he demonstrated that a city, no matter how small, can dream big and achieve even greater.

As Koronadal lays him to rest, the city carries forward his ideals: service with integrity, governance with compassion, and leadership with purpose.

The Notre Dame of Marbel University community extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Mayor Eliordo “Bebot” Ogena.

Rest in peace, Mayor. Your life of service will never be forgotten. You will always be remembered as a true servant leader who placed the welfare of the people above all else.

Source: Information & Photos | City Government of Koronadal