Angelito Cabaron Gatlabayan, also referred to by his initials “ACG", was the first City Mayor of Antipolo following its conversion into a city, serving from 1998 to 2007. He later represented the Second District of Antipolo in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2010. Notably, “ACG” also stands for Antipolo City Government, a coincidence many have come to regard as symbolic of his destiny to
lead and serve the city. He was born on July 3, 1953, to Antipolo natives Maximo Leyva Gatlabayan, a farmer and three-term Municipal Vice Mayor of Antipolo, and Catalina Legado Cabaron. He is married to Josefina “Pining” Galang-Gatlabayan, incumbent Vice Governor of the Province of Rizal and a former public school teacher. They have five children (Jeffrey, Jannel, Loraine, Lloyd, and James) all professionals in their respective fields. Gatlabayan completed his elementary and secondary education at Sumulong Elementary School and Sumulong Memorial High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering degree from Adamson University in 1976 and passed the Chemical Engineering Licensure Examination the following year. Coming from humble beginnings, he once worked as a tricycle driver to help support his family. After graduating, he began his professional career as a Division Staff Engineer at Union Ajinomoto Philippines. Through diligence and perseverance, he rose to senior managerial and executive positions, including Regional Director for Asia Operations of Nagai Package Co., Ltd., Managing Director of NP Foods Co., Ltd., President of GATSBY & Co., Inc. and Macstrat Inc., Vice President of Handyware Philippines, and General Manager of Reliable Contract Packaging Corporation. He is also credited as a pioneer of sachet packaging, a concept that transformed the retail industry in the Philippines and neighboring countries. A devoted Catholic, Gatlabayan began serving the Church at the age of twelve and became one of the first lay ministers of the Antipolo Cathedral, now the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. His faith has consistently guided his life as a family man, business leader, and public servant. From 1995 to 1997, he served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Antipolo, leading numerous outreach initiatives, including medical missions across the town. However, some politicians viewed his charitable efforts as a threat to their own political prospects and opposed him. Rather than being discouraged, the incident strengthened his resolve to enter public service. Following the plebiscite that granted Antipolo cityhood, Gatlabayan was elected on May 11, 1998, as Antipolo’s first City Mayor, governing what was then one of the largest local government units in Rizal Province and representing its 500,000 residents. He was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2001 and 2004. He also served as National Treasurer of the League of Cities of the Philippines and as a Board Member of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP). Dedicated to his work and bent on his promise of leading Antipolo to a progressive and self-sustaining city, Mayor Gatlabayan implemented people-centered and innovative programs. His administration laid the foundation for development by expanding electrification, potable water access, and essential infrastructure; elevating the Antipolo from a quiet suburban town into one of the country’s most dynamic cities today. PUBLIC SAFETY, PEACE AND ORDER, AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
One of his first priorities was peace and order. He launched a massive anti-drug campaign making most of the barangays drug-free, and became the first mayor of Antipolo to institutionalize mandatory drug testing for city officials and employees. These initiatives earned commendations from the Dangerous Drugs Board and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Under his leadership, Antipolo achieved an 89.29% crime solution efficiency rate, and the Philippine National - Antipolo City was recognized as Best Police Station in Region IV-A. He also institutionalized the Traffic Management and Enforcement Group (now OPSS), established the Public Utility Vehicle Transport Regulatory Board, and spearheaded the enactment of Antipolo’s Traffic Code, creating a more organized, efficient, and safer traffic system that improved mobility, reduced congestion, and enhanced the overall quality of life for residents and commuters in the city. LITERACY AND EDUCATION
Mayor Gatlabayan believes that education is the key to a brighter future. Together with his able officials, he launched his administration’s flagship initiative: the "ACG Literacy Program"; at a time when Antipolo had only one public high school. For many years, students from Antipolo were frequently denied admission and rejected by nearby Marikina High School, leaving thousands of young people without access to secondary education. Recognizing the urgency of this crisis, he made education his top priority. The ACG Literacy Program was designed as a comprehensive, long-term solution to ensure that every Antipoleño child would have access to free, quality, and accessible education. This program became the foundation of the city’s massive investment in construction of school buildings, teachers and personnel support, scholarship grants, and non-formal education initiatives. Under his leadership, the city constructed 18 public high schools, 7 public elementary schools, 1 university, 10 daycare centers, and a special school for children with special needs and persons with disabilities. Students were provided with free school bags, shoes, books, and supplies. Each school now serves thousands of learners across the city. His administration also implemented non-formal education initiatives such as the Katutubo Learning Center, Eskwelahang Pansakahan sa Nayon (ESPANA), Farmers Information Technology Services (FITS), Project Bagong Laya, and Pag-asa sa Likod ng Rehas for persons deprived of liberty. To strengthen the city’s reading culture, he established the Antipolo City Library, several community reading centers, and the “Books on Wheels” mobile library to serve far flung areas. He granted more than 3,000 scholarships to underprivileged students and opened opportunities for city employees to complete college degrees and pursue graduate studies. These inspiring efforts raised Antipolo's literacy rate to 98.9% literacy rate in 2003, and earned numerous national accolades such as the prestigious Presidential Award as “Most Outstanding City Mayor of the Philippines” and “Most Outstanding Local Government Unit in the Philippines,” given by Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Antipolo became the first local government unit in the country to be inducted into the National Hall of Fame after receiving awards from the Office of the President and the National Literacy Coordinating Council for four consecutive years in recognition of its outstanding performance in literacy and education. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION
Environmental protection was another pillar of his administration. Antipolo became one of the first local governments in the country to successfully implement Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) by establishing a controlled dumpsite, materials recovery facilities, and an eco-center. Together with her wife Josefina "Pining" Gatlabayan, he launched the Antipolo Clean and Green Program, institutionalized the city’s Forest Land Use Plan, and led extensive reforestation, cleanliness, and beautification campaigns, earning the city the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Award as the "Cleanest and Greenest Component City in the Philippines." HEALTHCARE
He also strengthened healthcare services in the city through the construction of a 25-bed city hospital, two satellite hospitals in Boso-Boso and Pinugay, and 38 barangay health centers strategically located to serve remote areas. These facilities improved access to medical care, enhanced public health programs, and ensured that quality healthcare was available to all residents across Antipolo. TOURISM AND THE SUMAKAH FESTIVAL
Mayor Gatlabayan recognized the importance of promoting Antipolo’s cultural heritage and local products as a driver of tourism and community pride. Under his leadership, the city launched the SUMAKAH Festival, an annual celebration named after the city’s signature offerings: Suman (rice cakes), Mangga (mangoes), Kasuy (cashews), and Hamaka (hammocks). The festival featured vibrant parades, street dancing competitions, and barangay showcases, bringing together students, local artisans, and residents in a colorful display of Antipolo’s traditions and creativity. Beyond its cultural significance, SUMAKAH also became a platform to boost local entrepreneurship, attract visitors, and stimulate the city’s economy, positioning Antipolo as not just a residential hub but a lively destination for tourism and cultural events in the region. HOUSING INITIATIVES
Mayor Gatlabayan’s housing programs benefited more than 5,000 families, earning him the "Presidential Award as Outstanding Community Mortgage Program Originator." Each relocation site was thoughtfully planned to include multi-purpose halls, basketball courts, and daycare centers, ensuring that residents had access to essential community spaces, recreation, and early childhood education. These initiatives not only provided safe and secure housing but also fostered strong, vibrant, and self-sustaining communities. ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Under his leadership, Antipolo’s annual revenues grew from ₱140 million to ₱1.3 billion, while tax collections increased from ₱50 million to ₱500 million. Antipolo was also among the first local governments to adopt GIS mapping systems and digitalized real property tax processing. In 2002, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recognized Antipolo as one of the Fastest-Growing and Developing Cities in the Philippines. He attracted major investors such as Wrigley’s Philippines, RC Cola, Shopwise, and Cherry Foodarama. He created a one-stop shop for business registration and tax payment, implemented the Antipoleño First Policy granting incentives to local enterprises that hired Antipoleños, and initiated the conversion of Sitio Pinugay into an industrial zone to generate employment. These initiatives significantly improved the quality of life for Antipoleños, enhanced public safety, ensured access to essential services, and supported the city’s growth into one of Rizal’s most progressive and well-planned urban centers. Mayor Gatlabayan's administration oversaw an extensive program of infrastructure development, laying the foundation for a modern, livable, and progressive Antipolo. Key projects included the Construction of 7 bridges, 30 km of concrete roads, and 15 km of sidewalks; Rehabilitation of 2.5 km of creeks, 19.8 km of covered/open canals; Installation of 18 submersible pumps, and 122 deep wells with motors and tanks; Development of 95 km. of irrigation canals to support local agriculture; Construction of 52 multi-purpose covered courts, 40 waiting sheds, 6 barangay halls, the Antipolo Hall of Justice, Antipolo City Jail, CMA Market, and the ACG Center for Peace, Safety, and Order, which houses the headquarters of the Antipolo City Police. Among his most enduring legacy project was the ₱2.8-billion tri-partite water system project with Manila Water Company, Inc. and the Department of Public Works and Highways, which brought clean and affordable water from Angat Dam directly to the pipelines of every households in Antipolo, reducing costs by nearly 90% and ending dependence on water deliveries. Before the project was initiated, clean and potable water was not widely available in Antipolo, and households depended on water truck deliveries at ₱30 per drum. Under Mayor Gatlabayan’s leadership, the citywide water system project dramatically reduced the cost to ₱3 per drum. This initiative provided an abundant, reliable, and affordable supply of clean water, transforming daily life for residents and setting a new standard for public utility services in the city. CONGRESSMAN OF THE 2ND DISTRICT
In 2007, Gatlabayan was elected Representative of the Second District of Antipolo City, receiving an overwhelming mandate over his closest rival, who was the incumbent Provincial Vice Governor of Rizal. In the 14th Congress, he served as Vice-Chairman of the Committees on Trade and Industry and Special Committee Reforestation, and was a member of eleven standing committees, including Appropriations, National Defense, Local Government, Health, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Food, Basic Education and Culture, Higher and Technical Education, Games and Amusement, Small Business and Entrepreneur Development, and Southern Tagalog Development. He was known for his diligence, never missing a single plenary session. Even as a legislator, he remained deeply grounded in community service, allocating most of his congressional work to public infrastructure, livelihood programs, scholarship grants, and social welfare assistance. During his incumbency, he authored the measure granting independent status to public high schools, enabling them to receive direct and adequate budgetary support from the national government, strengthening school governance, and improving access to resources. He was a key author and advocate of the “Cheaper Medicines Act”, making essential medications more affordable for Filipinos. He was also instrumental in championing the National Reforestation Program / “Planting One Billion Trees” Bill, reflecting his enduring commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, and in advancing national measures such as the Cheaper Medicines Act, making essential medications more affordable for Filipinos. ACG LEGACY
Antipolo City had been on the ladder toward progress for the last decade under Gatlabayan's leadership. His legacy endures in the institutions he built, the lives he uplifted, and the standard of leadership he set; one rooted in genuine public service. This is the legacy that he will leave to the people of Antipolo who have witnessed all the challenges he overcame, and the fact that all other leaders who shall come after him will have to live up to his deeds and be measured against his achievements. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:
- 2024 Gawad Tanglaw Award (Mayamot National High School)
- 2015 Most Outstanding Rizaleño in the field of Public Management and Legislation (Rizaleño Sulo Magazine and Rizal Provincial Government)
- 2008 One of the Outstanding Congressmen of the 14th Congress (Congress Magazine and the House of Representatives of the Philippines)
- 2007 Most Outstanding Neophyte Congressman of the 14th Congress (Congress Magazine, Trade Express Asia and House of Representatives of the Philippines)
- 2005 National Hall of Fame Award for Literacy (Office of the President and National Literacy Coordinating Council)
- 2005 Regional Hall of Fame Award as Cleanest and Greenest Component City in Region IV-A: Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Award (Office of the President, Department of Interior Local Government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources)
- 2005 Presidential Recognition for Active Participation and Cooperation on Programs Against Illegal Drugs (Dangerous Drugs Board and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency)
- 2004 National Champion as Cleanest and Greenest Component City in the Philippines: Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Award (Office of the President, Department of Interior Local Government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources)
- 2003 to 2005 Regional Champion as Cleanest and Greenest Component City in the Philippines: Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Award (Office of the President, Department of Interior Local Government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources)
- 2002 to 2005 Most Outstanding City Mayor and Most Outstanding Local Government Unit in the Philippines, Component City Category (Office of the President and National Literacy Coordinating Council)
- 2002 & 2004 Presidential Award for Non-Formal Literacy Program (Office of the President and National Literacy Coordinating Council)
- 2003 Outstanding Community Mortgage Program Originator: Kabalikat sa Pabahay Award (Office of the President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council)
- 2003 Best Local Government Unit Health Practice (Department of Health)
- 2003 Troy Award for Cleanest Public Toilet (Department of Tourism)
- 2002 & 2003 Bayani Kontra Droga (Eagle Broadcasting Corporation & Bestfriend Kontra Droga, Inc.)
- 2002 One of the Fastest Growing and Developing Cities in the Philippines (National Economic and Development Authority)
- 2002 Outstanding Local Government Unit in Local Budget Administration (Department of Budget and Management and Philippine League of Local Budget Officers)
- 2002 Outstanding Mayor of the Year (Andres Bonifacio Exemplary Achievement Award)
- 2002 Dangal ng Pilipinas and Consumers Choice Award for Government and Public Service (Consumer’s League of the Philippines, Inc.)
- 2002 Best Paper Presentation (National Mapping and Resource Information Authority)
- 2002 Most Outstanding Alumnus (Sumulong Memorial High School)
- 2001 Second Place: Most Outstanding City Mayor and Most Outstanding Local Government Unit, Component City Category (National Literacy Coordinating Council and Office of the President)
- 2000 & 2003 One of the Twelve Outstanding Filipino Achievers of the Year (Media Writers Association of the Philippines)
- 2000 Most Outstanding Alumnus (Adamson University)
- 2000 One of the Twelve Outstanding Public Servants of the New Millenium (Media Writers Association of the Philippines)
- 2000 Most Outstanding City Mayor (Phoenix Press Club)
- 1999 Healthiest LGU in the Province of Rizal
- 1999 Ulirang Ama Award (Barangay Bagong Nayon, Antipolo City)
- 1998 Businessman of the Year (Barangay Broadcast Media Association of the Philippines)
- 1998 Outstanding Engineer and Civil Leader (Peryodiko ng Masa)
- 1998 Quality and Service Excellence Award (Colgate-Palmolive Philippines)
- 1998 Vendor of the Year (Colgate-Palmolive Philippines)
- Most Outstanding Club President (Kiwanis Club - Division 3C)
