Governor Damian Gaviola Mercado

Born on November 24, 1954, Damian Gaviola Mercado is the 5th child of Nacional Orito Mercado and Lourdes Lecaros Gaviola. He has three brothers, Vincent, Alvin, and Roger, the latter - the incumbent Congressman of the Lone District of Southern Leyte, and two sisters - Jocelyn and Emily.

Although the experience of being the Chief Executive of the Province of Southern Leyte is new to him, he is an old hand at politics - tried, tested and successful.  He has served as Punong Barangay of Abgao for 7 months, and Mayor of Maasin, the capital of Southern Leyte for three consecutive terms. A businessman by profession, DGM, as many call him, is a straightforward person, down-to-earth in his winning ways, sincere in service… traits that fit so well with the warm, cheerful and friendly culture of our province. And as governor by people's choice, he walks the corridors of the Provincial Capitol with his familiar battle cry, "Aksyon, Solusyon, Inisyatibo" - a challenge that may launch Southern Leyte to a new era of real growth, productivity and self-reliance.

What is totally intriguing about him is that in spite of his success, both in business and in politics, he still remains a bachelor.  When asked about it, he simply claims he is already married - to the province and the people he now serves.

The 8th Governor of the Province of Southern Leyte - Governor Damian "Mian" G. Mercado!