PROFILE OF AN ACHIEVER
ROSIE ILEJAY IGUBAN
Exemplary Public Servant
by Ulysses V. Espartero
“The women of Malinao are forces to reckon with. Arguably, they are the engines that drive Malinao. From powerful matriarchs of prominent families to the former Mayor (now Vice Mayor) Rosie Iguban to the municipal physician, Duktora Floriphez Yerro, to the commandant of the Lilo-an Citizens Army Training, to the Malinao nurses and workers toiling abroad, to the teachers and to Nay Deling who help us form our own Malinao values, to the businesswomen like Nay Virgie and now, Sally Inuman Thornton - they are the trailblazers spearheading Malinao's progress.”
These words from the website of Malinao town remind us of the contribution of Rosie Ilejay Iguban. Records show that she holds the distinction as the only Aklanon woman in the province’s contemporary history to have served three consecutive terms as Mayor and Vice Mayor.
OUTSTANDING BUSINESSWOMAN
She indulged in pharmacy business in 1964. For her achievements as a drug store owner, she was recognized in 1989 as an Outstanding Businesswoman.
She has practiced in a concentrated area of pharmacy for about 25 years prior to her initial plunge in politics – a twist in her career.
MODEL FAMILY WOMAN
Her marriage to Dr. Jose Querubin R. Iguban was blessed with five children, namely: Josephine, Querubin Jr., Jennifer, Ronnan Joy and Johanna.
The eldest daughter, Josephine Iguban Iquiña is a chemical engineer who was SB Member from 2007 to 2010 and the incumbent Vice Mayor of Malinao. She’s married to Erwin Iquiña, himself a three-full term SB Member. They have four children – Erika, Eunice, Juan Carlos and Evita Danielle.
Querubin Jr. is a Doctor of Medicine who owns and manages the Chalice Home Health Care in Elko, Nevada, U.S.A. His marriage to Celestine Hernandez, a pediatrician, is blessed with two children – Gabriel and Michael.
Jennifer I. Lomibao is a registered nurse now based in U.S.A with husband Jess Lomibao, also a nurse. The couple owns the Golden Heart Home Health Care in Chicago. They have three children- Jessica, Jennine and Jena.
The fourth child is Ronnan Joy, a commerce graduate who is now based in Chicago, U.S.A with wife Jo-ann Fernandez and only daughter, Briana.
The youngest, Johanna I. Reunir followed her mom’s footsteps a registered pharmacist. She’s married to Eugene Reunir with three children – Janus Ryan, Godric and Euri.
SERVICE ABOVE SELF
In 1989, she was elected Barangay Captain of Poblacion, Malinao and on the same year, she was voted President of ABC (Association of Barangay Captains). This afforded her the opportunity to serve as ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Malinao.
In 1992, she won as Municipal Mayor and eventually served for three full terms until 2001. After her term as local chief executive, she ran as Vice Mayor in 2001 and won. She was re-elected in 2004. For her third and last term, she was unopposed in the 2007 election. She served until 2010.
The construction of the town hall is one of her greatest achievement during her incumbency. She also made the town beautiful; and a peaceful place to live in. She initiated the construction of farm to market roads and the cementing of municipal and barangay roads. As a health advocate, she pursued program on nutrition and clean and green.
Believing that potable water is a major concern, she implemented spring development projects in various barangays and villages.
Even as a public official, she has supported innovative ways to improve the medication use process that increase medication adherence, reduce drug misadventures, improve patient outcomes and increase communication between all members of the health care system.
AWARDS
In 2009, on the occasion of its 40th Ruby Jubilee, the Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA) Aklan Chapter honored her with the Ruby Jubilee Award for her outstanding qualities in the practice of her profession and for inspiring fellow pharmacists to greater heights in the service of the Aklanon people.
“She has contributed to the total body of knowledge in pharmacy practice and has demonstrated ongoing involvement in and commitment to inspiring the practitioners,” said Mabel U. Concepcion, Vice President for Visayas of PPhA.
This year 2010 will be another fruitful year for this exemplary woman for it will be her 50th year in the practice of pharmacy as a noble profession.
