Former Davao del Norte Vice Governor and Tagum City’s first City Mayor, Victorio “Baby” Suaybaguio Jr., passed away on Saturday at the age of 84.
His nephew, Board Member and congressional aspirant Nicandro Suaybaguio, confirmed the news on social media and thanked his uncle for inspiring him to pursue public service.
Suaybaguio served the public for over 30 years, beginning as a municipal councilor in 1980. He later became vice mayor, then mayor of Tagum from 1988 to 1998, during which time Tagum was converted into a city, making him its first City Mayor. He later resigned to successfully run for Vice Governor of Davao del Norte.
Vice Governor De Carlo Oyo Uy paid tribute, calling Suaybaguio “the most dedicated public servant of Davao del Norte.” Former Tagum Mayor and current Vice Mayor Allan Rellon also honored him, recalling how Suaybaguio gave him his first opportunity in government service as Municipal Administrator.
Rellon described Suaybaguio as a leader who “commanded respect without seeking it,” and praised his quiet but profound influence on those who worked with him. “He was simply and profoundly a good man,” Rellon said in his tribute.
