Daughter of slain Rizal, Cagayan Mayor elected as youngest mayor in the Philippines

Rizal, Cagayan - In a historic victory, 21-year-old Jamila Ruma made her mark in Philippine politics, becoming the youngest mayor in the country after winning the said position in Rizal, Cagayan. 

Rising from personal tragedy, Jamila took her father’s place, slain Mayor Jeol Ruma, and carried on his fight with courage and purpose. 

Defeating two other candidates in the 2025 national and local elections, she now steps into leadership with a promise of honest and dedicated service, continuing the legacy her family has built in their beloved hometown. 

Jamila secured 5,134 votes, winning against her two opponents, Ralph Mamauag, who got 3,661 votes, and Florence Littaua, with 170 votes. She ran in place of her father who was killed during a campaign rally in Illuru, Rizal, on April 23. 

Atty. Joel’s death inspired Jamila to continue what he started and serve their people with the same passion. 

A graduate of De La Salle University Manila with a degree in development studies, Jamila was a consistent Dean's Lister and earned awards for Best Thesis and Best Thesis Presenter. Despite her young age, her academic achievements and upbringing in a political family helped prepare her for this huge responsibility. 

Her mother, Atty. Brenda Ruma also won as vice-mayor of Rizal, making them a powerful mother-daughter tandem ready to lead their town forward. 

In her Facebook post, Jamila expressed her gratitude to those who supported and believed in her , saying, “ Gusto ko pong ipaabot ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng sumuporta, nagtiwala at lumaban kasama ng Team RUMA. I am very overwhelmed with all the love and support that everyone has shown us.” 

“I will make sure to continue the legacy of my father, Mayor Atty. Joel A. Ruma. Hindi ko po pababayaan ang ating bayan ng Rizal. Patuloy po ang serbisyong SAPAT at TAPAT na sinimulan ng aking ama. Hawak ko ang pangako ng aking ama na panatilihing masaya at ligtas ang ating bayan ng Rizal para sa ikauunlad ng bawat Rizaleño,” she added. 

Jamila was proclaimed as the elected mayor of Rizal, Cagayan, on May 13, 2025.