Born and raised in Labo, Camarines Norte, Joseph Villaverde Ascutia, lived a simple and humble life and experienced the most prevalent uphill battle of being a member of a big family. Knowing that education is his only way out of poverty, despite the struggles, he worked hard to reach his goals and dreams. After earning his license as an Electrical Engineer, he then received his Master of Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila University and established his own freight transport company. He was then able to travel abroad and noticed the rapid economic development of other countries and realized he want this for his own country.
Prior to becoming a Multi-Awarded Public Official of his hometown, he was the President of Rotary Club of Kamuning Central from 2006 to 2007 and currently a member of Rotary Club of Balintawak – Quezon City and JCI Labo Niogan Philippines, organizations that focuses on Community Services hence, intensifying his passion on serving the community.
His fellow Laboeños recognized this passion and elected him as the Municipal Mayor of Labo from 2013 to 2022 and received multiple awards including; Financial Housekeeping Region V Passer (DILG Region V, 2021); Gawad Brigada Diamond Award (DepEd Region V, 2021); Special Recognition Award Best Practice in RCSP Barangayan Implementation (DILG Region V, 2020); featured in the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Magazine as Humble Mayor (Issue of August – September, 2018); One of the Ten (10) Most Outstanding Local Chief Executive in Community Driven Development Implementation (DILG – KALAHI CIDDS, Regional Office, 2016); Top Performing LGU in Bicol Region in the Implementation of Health – Related Programs, Projects and Activities (DOH Bicol Region, 2015); Seal of Child-Friendly Local Government Holder (Council for the Welfare of Children – NationalLevel, 2014).
Under his governance, Labo was also recognized by Commission on Audit as the Wealthiest Municipality in Camarines Norte and 2nd in the entire Bicol Region in the year 2021. Even his fellow Municipal Mayors noticed his strong leadership; he was elected as the President of League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Camarines Norte Chapter.
Renowned for his down to earth and humorous personality, he proved his courage by voicing out the unheard cries of the people and fight against a more powerful political figure for which he was suspended thrice during his last term as the Municipal Mayor of Labo. CamNorteños admire and respects him for his dedication to stand for what is right, many has supported him for his political campaign. He won a landslide victory in the May 9, 2022 election. He is now, Vice Governor Engr. JosephV.Ascutia ofthe Province of Camarines Norte.