The newest member of the Tagbilaran City Council, Marcel Mae Adiong, has stepped into her ex-officio role expressing both caution and commitment to her expanded responsibilities.
Adiong, who previously served as vice president of the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) Federation, ascended to her current position following the unexpected resignation of Adrian Clark Bandija on December 31, 2024.
“Initially, I was hesitant because of the enormous responsibility,” Adiong told dyTR’s Ardy Araneta-Batoy of Newsmakers in an interview. The young politician, who chairs the youth council in Booy district, comes from a politically connected family.
Her uncle serves as a councilor in nearby Loay town, and she maintains family ties with former Bohol Vice Governor Rene Relampagos. Despite her political lineage, Adiong traces her public service motivation to her parents – a medical doctor and an international seafarer – who have spearheaded outreach programs in Bohol’s rural areas.
Discussions about her potential council membership began in late 2024, preceding Bandija’s departure for personal reasons. Her appointment signals another step in a political career that began with her election as youth chairperson in Booy.
Born on January 17, 2002 in Tagbilaran City, the young legislator is the daughter of International Seafarer Marcelo Solideo Adiong, Jr. and Medical Doctor Maria Flors Digal Vaño.
During her elementary years, she studied at Greatminds Leadership Academy and graduated First Honors in 2013. Her secondary years were spent at Bohol Wisdom School where she graduated in 2020.
Currently, she is in her third year level at the University of Bohol taking up Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Her volunteer work brings her to Bohol Leo’s Club where she has been a member from 2022 to the present. She has undergone training in Basic Life Support sponsored by the Red Cross of the Philippines. Her special skills include leadership, Essay Writing, and Public Speaking.
Hon. Marcel Mae Vaño Adiong