Mon Ilagan

Born to a mother who was a government hospital employee and a father who was a World War II veteran, Mon Ilagan grew up in Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City. After finishing his public schooling in Tatalon Elementary School and Carlos Albert High School, he spent his youthful days as a choir member of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. He participated in various church activities of the Sto Domingo Parish and he practiced the Dominican way of life, following the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. It was during this time when Fr Sonny Ramirez, OP, asked Mon Ilagan to work for him in Radio Veritas.[1]

Under the guidance and pastoral care of Fr Ramirez, Mon Ilagan began his career in broadcasting while pursuing his college degree in Communication Arts at the University of Santo Tomas. He spent 25 years in the media industry, which turned out to be successful and was highlighted by prestigious awards such as the 1997 Reporter of the Year, the 2001 and 2003 Star Awards Best Morning Show Host for "Alas Singko Y Medya" and "Magandang Umaga, Pilipinas". He also taught as a professor at the ABS-CBN Center for Communication Arts.

In 2004, an opportunity for a different kind of public service was presented to him when he was asked to run for mayor of the municipality of Cainta. He sought the people's support as he campaigned on a platform of change against a 58-year-old political dynasty.[2] Fortunately, the residents of Cainta heeded his call, which resulted to an unexpected landslide victory in his favor.

Since his first term, Mayor Ilagan and his team have made efforts to improve the general welfare of Cainta residents, transforming the municipality into one of the most prosperous municipalities in the country, however, he failed to do so and his incompetence to build proper infrastracture for flood-prevention was seen in the catastrophic results of the tragic Typhoon Ketsana in the municipality on 27 September 2009.[3] As a public servant, Ilagan has received numerous awards, including a special citation from the United Nations for his program in support of "Stand Up and Take Action Against Poverty", the UST Arts and Letters Government Service Award in 2010,[4] the 2008 CEO Excel Award (given by the International Association of Business Communicators),[5] and the 2006 Most Supportive LGU Executive, awarded by the Department of Health.

Continuing education remains a priority for Mon Ilagan. During his broadcasting years, he received a scholarship to the British Broadcasting Company in London as part of the Rotary Club International Foundation's Groups Study Exchange Program. He also attends local and international conferences and workshops to pursue the latest and best practices in disaster risk management and reduction.[6] At present, he is pursuing a masteral degree in Public Management at the Ateneo de Manila University School of Government.

Mon Ilagan credits his success to the providential guidance of his Christian God and the support he receives from his wife Veron, and his four children Ma. Anita Bernice, Ma. Charise Kaye, Jonah Paula and Dominique Frances.

• "Church Heroes of the Revolution", Radio Veritas. 23 February 2009.
• "A Neophyte Ousts Felix", Newsbreak: Independent Journalism. Public Trust Media Group, Inc. 5 July 2004.
• "Inquirer Editors Named UST AB Gantimpala Awardees", Inquirer.net. 2 March 2010.
• "Cainta Mayor Wins Top CEO Award", The Philippine Star, 16 March 2008.
• "Cainta to become first LGU Sentinel Asia member", The Daily Tribune, 5 March 2011.