How her father's tragic death pushed 21-year-old mayor-elect Jamila Ruma to take charge
Winning the mayoral seat in Rizal, Cagayan was a bittersweet experience for Jamila Ruma, who is set to assume the position at just 21 years old.
After all, it was her father, Joel Ruma, who was running for reelection in their municipality before he was tragically gunned down in a campaign rally.
While still shaken by what happened, this prompted Jamila, the eldest child of Joel, to take charge and continue her father’s bid.
“’Yung dad ko never niya in-impose na mag-enter ako ng politics, malayo po siya actually sa plans ko, pero here I am now,” she told PhilSTAR L!fe.
Jamila, who's in her last term of her development studies program at De La Salle University in Manila, planned to go to law school after graduating, following in the footsteps of her parents, who are both lawyers.
On April 29, coinciding with her father’s supposed 55th birthday, Jamila filed her certificate of candidacy to substitute.
The 21-year-old isn't a newbie to the political scene. She used to join her parents, who were the town's mayor and vice mayor, in their campaign sorties. She was often described as a "carbon copy" of her late dad, with people noting they have the same "aura and charisma."
“Naikot ko na rin ang bara-barangay ng aming bayan dito sa Rizal. From there, nakita ko ‘yung passion ng aking ama sa public service... Nakita ko at na-overwhelm ako sa love and support na pinakita po ng mga tao dahil sa genuine intentions ng aking ama to serve the people of our town, Rizal,” she told L!fe.
“I made the decision to continue his bid,” she added.
Jamila started her campaign less than two weeks before election day. She and her mother, Atty. Brenda, put their safety and security above everything at the time, and took their campaign online.
“Hindi na po kami lumabas ng aking mother para mag-campaign, instead nagkaroon po kami ng mga volunteers offline and online sa social media, tapos mga voice recorded messages na umiikot sa mga bara-barangay para kahit papaano ma-continue pa rin 'yung campaign sorties namin,” she shared.
While Brenda, who succeeded in her reelection bid, was scared for her safety, Jamila noted how her mom is “proud” and “happy” of her taking charge.
Being the local chief at a young age
Jamila was proclaimed as the mayor-elect by the town’s board of canvassers on Tuesday, May 13. She garnered a total of 6,533 votes as of writing, defeating retired general Ralph Mamauag, who has 4,1467votes, and Florence Littaua with 176 votes.
While celebrating this win, which she described as “bittersweet,” Jamila admitted she’s still in shock and grieving.
“Things happened so suddenly...‘yung tragic incident, it’s still vivid in my mind,” she told L!fe, saying how she’s also been dealing with trauma.
Despite this silent battle, she couldn’t be more grateful to her strong support system, which became her source of strength to move forward.
“Through prayers and solid support system ng family, relatives, friends, and supporters, somehow, I am able to push through, manage my emotions, and focus on planning for the next steps for myself, for my family, and for our town,” Jamila said.
Now poised to the mayoral seat, Jamila is aiming to continue her father’s plans, including the extension of Cagayan State University in their municipality.
“Kasi sa ngayon, wala kaming college sa aming bayan. Mostly ‘yung mga college students nag-aaral sa Tuguegarao City or sa nearby towns,” she shared.
She will also focus on strengthening the town’s agricultural industry and build the town's own district hospital.
“Actually when the tragic incident happened, ‘yung pinakamalapit na district hospital sa amin ay at least 30 minutes away.Kung 'yung bayan namin may sariling district hospital, mas nailaban ng aking ama 'yung kaniyang buhay,” she lamented.
While she said she's received criticism for becoming a local chief at 21, Jamila stressed that “public service knows no age.”
“As long as you’re determined, committed, and have the genuine intention to serve your people,” she said, adding that she hopes her story will serve as a symbol of strength.
