PAST GOVERNORS

Vincenzo Renato Luigi Reyes Villafuerte (born 7 November 1996) is a Filipino politician who served as Governor of Camarines Sur from 2022 to 2025. Coming from the well-known Villafuerte political family, he is the son of former Governor and now Governor again, Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr., and the grandson of former Governor Luis Villafuerte Sr.

He was elected Governor in 2022, becoming one of the youngest chief executives in the province’s history. His election continued the Villafuertes’ stronghold in local politics, succeeding his brother Miguel Luis “Migz” Villafuerte. During his administration, he carried forward development programs and initiatives aimed at strengthening governance and services in Camarines Sur.

After completing his term, he transitioned to national politics as Representative of the 2nd District of Camarines Sur in 2025, where he now also serves as Deputy Majority Leader in the House of Representatives.

Migz Villafuerte (born January 21, 1989) emerged onto the political stage at just 24 years old, becoming the youngest elected governor in Philippine history when he took office in 2013. During his three consecutive terms (2013, 2016, 2019), he focused on infrastructure, education reform, and tourism—known for his energetic, hands-on leadership style and strong connection to local communities.

Belonging to the prominent Villafuerte political dynasty, he is the grandson of former governor and congressman Luis Villafuerte Sr., and the son of former governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr.

After concluding his governorship, he transitioned to national politics by winning a congressional seat for the 5th District of Camarines Sur in 2022 and remains active in shaping regional and legislative priorities.

Luis Raymund "LRay" Villafuerte Jr. (born June 3, 1968) is a seasoned Filipino politician who first served as Governor of Camarines Sur from 2004 to 2013, and returned to the position again starting in 2025. Between his gubernatorial terms, he represented Camarines Sur’s 2nd District in the House of Representatives from 2016 to 2025, and even held the role of House Deputy Speaker from mid-2019 to late 2020

Coming from a prominent political dynasty, L-Ray is the son of former Governor Luis Villafuerte Sr., father of former Governor Migz (Miguel Luis Villafuerte), and father of current Governor Luigi Villafuerte

GDuring his initial governorship, LRay is credited for dramatically improving the province’s economic status—lifting Camarines Sur from one of the poorest to one of the richest provinces—and turning it into a major tourism destination, especially with the promotion of Caramoan Islands and the CamSur Watersports Complex. He also led the province-wide El Verde Movement, successfully planting millions of trees, earning two Guinness World Records, and launching programs like the CamSur Animation Studio and Information Technology Park.

• Batasang Pambansa Assemblyman: 1978–1986 (Camarines Sur) • Minister of Trade under President Marcos: 1979–1981 • Governor of Camarines Sur: 1986–1992; 1995–2004 • First President of League of Provinces of the Philippines: 1988–1990; 1998–2004 • Member, House of Representatives (Camarines Sur): 2004–2013

Luis Robredo Villafuerte Sr. (born August 29, 1935; died September 8, 2021) was a long-serving and influential political leader from Camarines Sur. He held various roles spanning both executive and legislative branches—from being an assemblyman in the Batasang Pambansa and serving in Marcos’ cabinet as Minister of Trade (1979–1981), to multiple terms as provincial governor (1986–1992; 1995–2004), and later, as a congressional representative (2004–2013). Notably, he was the inaugural President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, serving two terms at different periods. Despite facing accusations linked to the Fertilizer Fund scam, he was acquitted in 2018.

He also played a pivotal cultural role in initiating the Kaogma Festival, a now-iconic week-long province-wide celebration of Camarines Sur’s foundation, which he expanded and relocated to Pili during his governorship.

A Doctor raised and born in Libmanan Camarines Sur

Felix Abad Fuentebella (born September 5, 1915; died May 29, 2000) was a prominent Filipino politician who represented Camarines Sur’s 2nd District in the House of Representatives from 1953 to 1972, completing his service until Congress was dissolved under Martial Law. A civil and mining engineer by training, he began his career in the Bureau of Public Works before entering politics.

After the imposition of Martial Law, he ran for and served as Governor of Camarines Sur from 1976 until the People Power Revolution in 1986, when he stepped down . He hailed from the influential Fuentebella political family—his father was Mariano Fuentebella, former Gobernadorcillo and Governor of Ambos Camarines, and his half-brothers include Jose and Manuel Fuentebella, both of whom served in local politics.

Became a governor of Camarines Sur, founder and president of the University of Northeastern Philippines. He was a one time mayor of Iriga and became the director of the Abaca Corporation of the Philippines. He was the chairman of the Provincial Committee of the Liberal Party of Camarines Sur.

Inclusive Year: 1968-1971

Gubernatorial Term/s: 1968-1971

Inclusive Year: 1960-1967

Gubernatorial Term/s: 1960-1967

Founder of Balalong Newspaper in 1975 and Academiang Bicol, one of the proponent to Established Nueva Caceres College now University of Nueva Caceres.

Inclusive Year: 1947-1951

Gubernatorial Term/s: 1947-1951

Inclusive Year: 1946-1947

Gubernatorial Term/s: 1947-1951 , 1936-1937

Lawyer; governor of Camarines Sur and Public Service Commission.

Mariano Garchitorena y Chereau (February 12, 1898 – October 1, 1961) briefly served as Governor of Camarines Sur from 1945 to 1946 during the post–World War II transition period. He was the son of Don Andrés Garchitorena, who was himself governor of Ambos Camarines in 1919—showing a continuation of his family’s political influence in the region.

He later rose to national prominence as Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce under Presidents Manuel Roxas and Elpidio Quirino from 1946 to 1948. Beyond politics, he held leadership in the Abacá Fiber Institute of the Philippines, ran for senator, was appointed Ambassador to Spain, and served as Liberal Party Chairman in Bicol.

Japanese Occupation ( 1942-1945 ) Orator, became a Congressman for two consecutive terms and a Governor during the Japanese Period. Father of 2nd District Congressman Luis R. Villafuerte and grand father of the incumbent Governor, Hon. Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte, Jr.

A teacher, governor of Camarines Sur, representative of the National Assembly, museologist, scholar and historian.

Meliton set up the museum of the University of Nueva Caceres and preserved many of our published works from loss and neglect.

Inclusive Year: 1941

Gubernatorial Term/s: 1941

One of the youngest governors of Camarines Sur.

Inclusive Year: 1935-1936

Gubernatorial Term/s: 1935-1936

Paz Cea de Conde (January 21, 1888 – 1979) was a pioneering Filipino politician from Tigaon, Camarines Sur. She made history as the first woman to become a member of the provincial board of Camarines Sur and the first woman governor in the Philippines, taking office in 1937 after succeeding her brother, Gerardo Fuentebella Cea.

Born into a prominent political and civic family, her mother was Rufina Benites Fuentebella, and her uncle was Governor Mariano Fuentebella (1914–1916). Her brothers were also notable: Severo Fuentebella Cea served as mayor and congressman, while Sulpicio Vicente Fuentebella Cea held positions in both Camarines Sur and Albay; she was also cousin to Senator José Fuentebella and Representative Felix Fuentebella, and aunt to Senator Edmundo B. Cea.

As a senior provincial board member, she stepped up as governor upon the untimely death of the elected official, thereby breaking gender barriers in Philippine local governance.

Inclusive Year: 1935-1936 Gubernatorial

Term/s: 1935-1936

Mayor of Tigaon from 1923 to 1926 and a member of Provincial Administration of Gov. Ramon Felipe Sr.

Inclusive Year: 1934-1935

Gubernatorial Term/s: 1934-1935 , 1919-1922

He was twice governor of the province of Camarines Sur. A colorful figure and powerful political leader, he became the center of political activity after the death of Tomas Arejola.

Camarines Sur Deputy for two term (1922 - 1925 and 1925 - 1928),

again for two consecutive term as Governor (1928-1931, and 1931-34). Floor Leader of Partido Democrat in the Senate before he became a Translator and Proofreader in Sumpreme Court

Inclusive Year: 1922-1928

Gubernatorial Term/s: 1922-1928, 1916-1918

He was decreed to become a member of the revolutionary government founded by Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo in June 23, 1989. An Organization aiming to negotiate with the American during its treaty with the Spanish regarding the disposition of the Philippines. He was the father of Mariano Garchitorena who also becomes a Governor of Camarines Sur.

José Tría Fuentebella (June 17, 1883 – July 25, 1982), affectionately known as “Pepe,” was a lawyer and highly influential politician from Camarines Sur. He took over as Governor of Ambos Camarines in 1916 to finish his father Mariano Fuentebella’s term. After that, he continued to serve in various legislative roles: Representative of Ambos Camarines (1909–1916), Senator of the Philippines (1928–1934), and Representative of Camarines Sur in the National Assembly (1935–1941, 1945–1946).

During the Japanese occupation, he was appointed Commissioner of the Fifth Military District overseeing the Bicol Region (1943–1944) under President Laurel—stepping in to prevent greater harms during that turbulent period. Post-war, he rehabilitated his reputation and later served as Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia (1955–1961) and Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs under President Ferdinand Marcos.

Additionally, Fuentebella was a founding figure of the Nacionalista Party in Bicol, leading it in Camarines Sur from 1909 to 1955. He championed key regional developments—such as extending the Philippine National Railways to Bicol, establishing Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges in Naga City, and authoring the landmark "Flag Law".

Inclusive Year: 1913-1916

Gubernatorial Term/s: 1912-1916

He was been a gobernadorcillo of Sañgay

Mariano Perfecto (1853 – November 3, 1913) served as the fifth Governor of Ambos Camarines—then a province covering present-day Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte—from 1910 to 1913. He is widely recognized as a prolific writer and is regarded as both the “Father of Bikol Literature” and the “Father of Bisayan Literature.”

Perfecto published the first newspaper in Bikol, “An Parabareta” (1899–1900) and established the region’s first printing press, Libreria y Imprenta Mariana. His literary works included translations of religious tracts, novenas, poetry, short plays, and linguistic writings in both Ilonggo and Bikol languages. Through his contributions in literature and public service, he left a significant mark on the cultural and political history of the Bicol region.

Inclusive Year: 1906-1909

Gubernatorial Term/s: 1906-1909

The 4th Governor in Camarines Sur during the American Occupation

Inclusive Year: 1903-1906

Gubernatorial Term/s: 1903-1906

The 3rd Governor of Camarines Sur by the time of administration of the American in Philippines.

An American lawyer who is the 2nd Governor of Camarines Sur. He is included in the Partido Federal.

Gubernatorial Term/s: December 16, 1899 - March 20, 1901

George Alexander Curry (April 3, 1861 – November 27, 1947) was an American soldier, colonial administrator, and politician. After joining Roosevelt’s Rough Riders during the Spanish–American War, he was deployed to the Philippines as part of the American colonial administration. In 1901, he was appointed as Governor of Ambos Camarines, a province that then encompassed the present-day Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte.

His governance in Ambos Camarines marked the early years of the transition from Spanish rule to American civil government in the Bicol region. After serving in Camarines, he later became Governor of Isabela, Governor of Samar, and eventually rose to prominence as the Territorial Governor of New Mexico in the United States.