Buenavista, Marinduque: Small town making big strides

Despite being the smallest of Marinduque's six municipalities in terms of population, Buenavista has been steadily gaining recognition for its governance and developmental achievements.

Situated at Marinduque’s southern tip, Buenavista recorded the highest population growth rate in the province at 1.58 percent based on the 2020 census. According to local officials, this uptick in numbers hints at an increasingly vibrant community that draws new residents and visitors alike.

Over the past three years — between 2022 and 2024 — the municipal hall has filled up with plaques and certificates honoring Buenavista in various fields, from child-friendly governance to economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability.

Mayor Eduard “Bong” Llante Siena attributes these successes to the concerted efforts of local stakeholders, including residents, community leaders, educators, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, and visiting guests.

“We just have to keep on raising the bar and beating previous performance standards,” Siena said in referring to his concept of “constant progression.”

One of Buenavista’s notable distinctions is its top overall performance in the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s 2024 National SubayBayani Awards, which recognize excellence in managing and monitoring locally funded projects. The municipality was commended for infrastructure developments such as shore protection seawalls at Barangays IV and Daykitin, and the rehabilitation and expansion of the Poblacion Waterworks system.

Buenavista also emerged as a semi-finalist for the Department of Science and Technology’s 2024 Best CEST (Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology) Award and received a Special Award for Technology Innovation. Several barangays — Malbog, Sihi, Yook, and Daykitin — have been applying science-based solutions, including solar-powered dehydrators, a solar-powered ice plant, and automated ramp pump water supplies to bolster local agriculture and livelihoods.

In terms of business-friendly governance, Buenavista has maintained its status as a successful implementer of the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s eLGU BPLS (Business Permit and Licensing System) for five consecutive years. Entrepreneurs can now obtain business permits in about an hour, while the municipal government gathers reliable data on local industries, supply gaps, and areas needing infrastructure support.

Buenavista has also received the Gawad KALASAG Award from the Office of Civil Defense–National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council three times since 2022, reflecting its compliance and eventual “beyond compliant” rating in disaster risk reduction and management. Further, it earned the DILG’s Seal of Good Local Governance in 2024, highlighting its performance, transparency, accountability, and service delivery.

In 2024, Buenavista placed first in the Department of Science and Technology’s Best Community Awards for the MIMAROPA region, outdoing 70 other municipalities. The Philippine Association of Civil Registrars also commended Buenavista for accurate and timely civil registration services, as well as quick access to public documents.

Local government priorities include health and nutrition, along with initiatives promoting a drug-free community — both contributing to high functional ratings for peace and order, child protection, and anti-trafficking efforts. Meanwhile, Buenavista’s Local Governance Resource Center, institutionalized in late 2022, provides tools and facilities for more effective public service.

Buenavista has likewise been recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for “Outstanding Practices in Upcycling and Crafts Production” in the MIMAROPA region, reflecting its commitment to preserving both natural and cultural heritage.

When asked what drives him, Mayor Siena said: “All it takes is a vision and everything else follows.” He then added: “…but one needs faith to see it through,” affirming that community support and belief in shared goals continue to shape Buenavista’s progress.