Mel Mathay


Ismael A. "Mel" Mathay Jr. was the Mayor of Quezon City from 1992 to 2001.

Early life and education

Ismael A. Mathay was born in Manila on June 26, 1932. He was the son of Ishmael Mathay Sr.
Mathay graduated in 1953 with bachelor's degree in Business Administration Major in Economics in the University of the Philippines, where he joined the prestigious Upsilon Sigma Phi. Soon after graduation he enrolled at the College of Law in San Beda and successfully passed the bar examination in 1957.

Political career

Mathay was elected Vice-Mayor of Quezon City in 1967. In 1972 he was appointed secretary to the commissioner of the watchdog General Authority Office, a genuine recognition for his talent and integrity. Mayor Ismael Mathay had completed tenure of 9 years. Prior to this he was a congressman representing Quezon City's 4th district from 1987 to 1992, and was vice-governor of the Metro Manila Commission. He was director of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System from 1979 to 1987, and chairman of the Metro Manila Authority from 1993 to 1994. He tried to reclaim the mayoral position in 2004 and 2010 but lost to incumbent Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and former actor and then-vice mayor Herbert Bautista respectively.

Personal life

Mathay married his long-time partner Vilma Valera early in 2013 after the death of his wife Sonya Gandionco.

Death

Mathay died of a heart attack at the age of 81 on December 25, 2013 at The Medical City, Pasig.