Emmanuel Fantin Piñol Personal Background

Emmanuel Fantin Piñol, the second of 11 sons born to Bernardo Magbanua Piñol of Dingle, Iloilo, and Efigenia Coloquio Fantin of Janiuay, Iloilo, and Abuyog, Leyte, brings a legacy of dedicated public service. Born and raised in Bialong, M’lang, North Cotabato, Piñol is deeply connected to the province and its people, having spent decades in service as a farmer, breeder, journalist, and public servant.

Academic Achievements

  • Doctorate Degree in Rural Economic Development
    University of Southern Mindanao
  • Master’s Degree in Rural Economic Development
    University of Southern Mindanao
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Development Communication
    University of Southern Mindanao
  • Valedictorian – Nueva Vida High School
  • Valedictorian – Nueva Vida Elementary School

Professional Experience

Public Servant

  • Mayor of M’lang, North Cotabato (1995–1998)
  • Governor of Cotabato Province (1998–2007)
  • Vice-Governor of Cotabato Province (2007–2010)
  • Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (2016–2019)
  • Chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority (2019–2021)

Innovator & Author

  • Designed the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), an effective poverty alleviation program recognized by the Philippine Statistics Authority and NEDA.
  • Authored Feeding Millions: A Blueprint on Food Security (2015).

Farmer & Breeder

  • Manok Pinoy and Goat Breeding
  • Operator of a Nursery dedicated to local agricultural development.

Journalist

  • Lifetime member of the National Press Club.

Distinctions & Accomplishments

  • Chairperson of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (2017–2019) – The first Filipino Agriculture Secretary to preside over the 40th Session on Food Security in Rome, attended by Presidents and Agriculture Ministers from around the world.
  • Lifestyle Check Clearance – Voluntarily submitted to and passed a lifestyle check by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission.
  • Recipient of multiple national awards for his innovative government programs, including the prestigious Galing Pook Award.

A Vision for North Cotabato

As a candidate for Governor of North Cotabato, Emmanuel Piñol pledges to continue his legacy of hands-on leadership and innovative governance. With a proven track record of conceptualizing and implementing successful programs in rural development, agriculture, and poverty alleviation, Piñol aims to build a prosperous, self-sufficient, and inclusive province.