Gov. Maria Gracia Cielo Padaca
Province of Isabela


BORN October 25, 1963, Governor Grace has served as Isabela governor since 2004. Among Filipino politicians, she is among the minority who are not from politically connected families. Her
success has been attributed largely to a support from the Catholic Church and her popularity as a radio commentator with Bombo Radyo in Cauayan.

Padaca, with her victory in the 2004 gubernatorial election, seems to be everyone’s favorite. Teachers are proud to point out that she is the daughter of two public school teachers. The physically challenged look to her, a polio victim, as proof that being handicapped is no barrier to success (valedictorian in elementary and high school and magna cum laude in college).

Would-be public servants reluctant to enter the political race because they are honest and poor are inspired by her performance (what she lacked in financing she got from volunteers). And ordinary people who felt helpless against dynasties and political machinery have gotten the starch back into themselves. Grace has shown them that they can make a difference. She was reelected governor in the 2007 election, a clear manifestation that indeed, Isabelanos believe in her capacity to bring Isabela at the forefront of development.