Edgardo Angeles Tallado

Edgardo "Egay" Tallado is a Filipino politician from the province of Camarines Norte in the Philippines. He previously served as a Governor of Camarines Norte from 2010 to 2022. He was first elected governor of the province in 2010 and was re-elected in 2013 as his second term, third term in 2016, and last term in 2019.

Early Life and Education

Growing up in the humble Barangay of Canapawan in Labo, Camarines Norte, Egay Tallado faced significant challenges from an early age. While attending Canapawan Elementary School, he helped support his struggling family by selling boiled bananas, eggs, and other snacks to travelers, seizing every opportunity to earn a little extra.

As Egay advanced to secondary school, he moved in with a local family near Camarines Norte Institute. This family was involved in making hollow blocks and other construction materials, and Egay eagerly learned the trade. His new skills helped him support his education and laid the groundwork for his future. He eventually moved to Manila to try his luck in the construction industry, where his firm grew rapidly due to the boom in construction in Metro Manila.

Success followed, and in a full-circle moment, Egay purchased the very land where he had once learned to make hollow blocks. There, he built his own home, a testament to his hard work and determination.

Business Career

Egay launched a construction company in 1992, using his personal savings from his early career as initial capital. The company rapidly grew into a flourishing enterprise, employing hundreds of professionals, including engineers, foremen, and laborers. Building on this success, Egay expanded his business interests by establishing several other companies in Manila, specializing in civil construction for both private and government projects.

In 2001, motivated by a desire to make a positive impact in his province and create more job opportunities, Egay shifted from business to politics. At the time of his political entry, his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) as a businessman in Metro Manila was nearly 200 million PHP, highlighting his success.

Although Egay is not currently active in politics, his dedication to public service endures through the TEAM GAWA Foundation, which he founded to assist the people of Camarines Norte. The foundation is supported by Egay's hard-earned income from his thriving business endeavors in Metro Manila.

Courtesy: Edgardo "Egay" Angeles Tallado - Camarines Norte 

Political Career

In 2001, he set his sights on the mayoralty of Labo but faced a crushing defeat. Undeterred, he made a triumphant comeback in 2004, securing the vice gubernatorial seat. Yet, his journey to the governor’s office in 2007 was fraught with controversy and alleged election fraud, thwarting his initial attempt to lead. Determined, he fought back through an appeal to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), which ultimately vindicated him—though with only three months left in his first term.

His resilience paid off from 2010 to 2019, when he enjoyed a series of victories, serving nearly twelve impactful years as governor of Camarines Norte. However, his quest for a fifth term in office ended in defeat. Despite this setback, his dedication never wavered. Driven by a deep commitment to his community, he founded the Team Gawa Foundation Inc., continuing his mission to uplift and support his fellow Camarines Norteños.

During his governorship, Egay Tallado faced some criticism for his leadership style during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his strict implementation of health protocols led to Camarines Norte having one of the lowest COVID-19 case rates in the Bicol region. Known for his compassionate approach, Egay focused on protecting the elderly and people with disabilities in the province. He implemented strict measures to ensure they would not suffer during the pandemic. His efforts were recognized and praised by the Department of Health (DOH) and other provinces for maintaining low COVID-19 cases.

Team Gawa Foundation Inc.

The Team Gawa Foundation is dedicated to revolutionizing healthcare for the people of Camarines Norte, working tirelessly to foster a more inclusive and empowered community. They provide wheelchairs to those who struggle with mobility, ensuring no one is left behind. Through partnerships with organizations like Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, they offer free surgeries to CamNorteños in need. Also, they help students by providing free prescription glasses to those who cannot afford them due to financial constraints. Their commitment extends to offering free cataract surgeries, organizing multi-service caravans, and providing complimentary homestays in Naga City for patients with chronic illnesses. At Team Gawa Foundation, they making a real difference, touching lives, and extending a helping hand to every CamNorteño.

Courtesy: Team Gawa Foundation Inc.