4th Governor of the Province of Dinagat Islands
Early Life and Family Background
NILO PEPITO DEMEREY JR was born on October 23, 1968, in Davao City, Philippines. He grew up as the eldest son in a family of six siblings. His parents, both dedicated public-school teachers, profoundly influenced his values and aspirations. His mother, a devoutly religious woman, immersed him in religious devotions and instilled in him a deep sense of compassion and service. His father, a former military officer and disciplinarian, imparted rigorous ethical standards and a commitment to justice. These formative experiences laid a strong foundation for Demerey’s future endeavors. He is married to Marichu Miranda Demerey who is a registered nurse with whom he has nine children.
Educational Background and Early Aspirations
Demerey’s early education was marked by academic excellence and leadership. Throughout high school, he was a consistent honor student, served as president of the Student Council, and was Corps Commander of his Citizen Army Training Unit. His leadership qualities and academic prowess were evident from a young age.
Following high school, Demerey pursued his dream of becoming a priest by enrolling at St. Francis Xavier College Seminary. During his time at the seminary, his leadership skills were recognized by his peers, who elected him as leader of the Seminary Student Council. Although he took a sabbatical from the seminary, he continued his higher education at Ateneo de Davao University, where he graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy. At Ateneo, he held the position of Corps Commander of the ROTC unit and was named Class Baron of the ROTC Advance Class 1990, showcasing his leadership and dedication to service.
Transition to Public Service and Professional Career
After graduation, Demerey initially contemplated returning to the seminary but chose instead to follow in his parents’ footsteps by entering the teaching profession. He worked as a college instructor across various universities and colleges in the Philippines, demonstrating his commitment to education and community development. Additionally, he engaged in the NGO sector, where he contributed significantly to youth advocacy and development.
In 1991, Demerey played a crucial role in establishing Group Advocate Building Advancement for the Youth (GABAY), which earned him recognition as one of the Most Outstanding Youth Leaders of the Philippines under the Magnolia Youth Achievement Award. In that year, also he helped in the establishment of the Mindanao Youth Confederation (MYC) and became the President of the Mindanao Community-based Youth Organizations Confederation (MCYOC). He went to consolidate community-based youth organizations in Mindanao. He visited various places in Mindanao from the hinterlands of Sulu, Tawi, Lanao, and Basilan to the mountains of Bukidnon and Surigao, traversing the plains of Cotabato, Agusan, and Davao to conduct consultations with the youth sector. He has fought for the establishment of the National Youth Commission (NYC) to help address the problems besetting the youth sector not only in Mindanao but in the entire country. Thus, in the year 1995, the NYC was established to pave the way to a more empowered Filipino youth.
Move to Dinagat Islands and Political Career
Demerey relocated to Dinagat Islands in 2008 as a business executive, where he became actively involved in local community and business organizations. His leadership qualities and approachable demeanor led him to become President of the Community Relations Education Development Officers (CREDO) association and Vice President of the Chamber of Mines of Caraga Region Inc. (CMCRI) in the same year.
In 2016, Demerey entered politics as Senior Board Member of Dinagat Islands. His tenure as a board member was marked by his dedication to legislative reforms and community development. In 2019, he was elected Provincial Vice-Governor and was honored with the “Outstanding Public Servant” award by the Civil Service Commission-Caraga Region.
Demerey’s successful bid for governor in the 2022 national and local elections marked a historic achievement as he became the first male Governor of Dinagat Islands. His tenure has been characterized by significant legislative accomplishments. Building on the momentum of his first term, Demerey was re-elected during the 2025 National and Local Elections, securing a second term as provincial governor. His continued mandate reflects the trust and confidence of the people, as he works tirelessly to further elevate the province to new heights.
Leadership and Governance
Demerey’s leadership extends beyond Dinagat Islands. As Chairperson of the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) and a member of the Mindanao Development Authority Advisory Committee, he has been instrumental in shaping the Caraga Regional Development Plan 2023-2028. His strategic vision for regional development focuses on inclusive and sustainable growth through the i2FAME strategy (Industrialize and Innovate Fishery, Agro-Forestry, Mining, and Ecotourism).
His active participation in the League of Provinces of the Philippines enhances Dinagat Islands’ engagement with other provinces, promoting unity, local autonomy, and collaborative policy development.
In addition to his political career, Demerey has a distinguished military record. He currently serves as the battalion commander of the 1505th Ready Reserved Infantry Battalion (1505RRIBN). His role involves strengthening unit performance and community development, including recruiting and mentoring young reservists.
Demerey furthered his academic credentials by completing a Master in Public Management, Major in Development and Security (MPM-DevSec) from the Development Academy of the Philippines in December 2023. This advanced education equips him with the skills needed to address development challenges and enhance governance in his province.
Achievements and Recognitions
Here are some of Governor Demerey’s Achievements and Recognitions:
Philippine Army Best Reservist Officer of the Year 2022
Awarded by the President of the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in recognition of his exemplary leadership as the commanding officer of the 1505th Ready Reserved Infantry Battalion and as an elected public official who received numerous awards such as Civil Service Commission Dangal ng Bayan Award”, the 2022 Golden Globe Award for Exemplary Leadership, Bronze cross Medal, and Gawad sa Kaunlaran. Given during the 126th Anniversary of the Philippine Army on March 22, 2023, at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Jury Award for Most Outstanding, Dynamic Governor and Exceptional in Good Governance and Leadership Award 2023
Governor Nilo P. Demerey, Jr., of the Province of Dinagat Islands was awarded “JURY AWARD FOR MOST OUTSTANDING, DYNAMIC GOVERNOR AND EXCEPTIONAL IN GOOD GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP AWARD” by the Gintong Parangal Para sa Mahusay at Dakilang Filipino. Given during the Gintong Parangal Awards Night held in August 19, 2023 at the Grand Ballroom, Okada Manila, Parañaque City, Philippines.
Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Award 2023
Demerey was awarded being a premier achiever INSPIRING DYNAMIC GOVERNOR OF DINAGAT ISLANDS in grateful recognition for the individual support for Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Awards. Given last 8th day of December 2023 at Winford Resort and Casino, Manila by the La Visual Corporation.
Golden Globe Annual Awards for Filipino Achiever
Demerey is an awardee of Golden Globe Awards for Filipino Achiever for his Outstanding and Significant Achievement in Public Service. Given last December 16, 2022 at Manila Hotel Fiesta Pavilion Grand Ballroom, One Rizal Park Manila City, Philippines. By the: Data Research Examiner and Marketing Services (NADREMS) Inc., Sining at Gabay ng Buhay Foundation Inc., Philippines Best Company. Com Inc., and Sinag News Magazine.
Civil Service Commission Dangal ng Bayan Award
Awarded by Civil Service Commission- Caraga for having been adjudged by the Regional Awards Committee (RAC) as the “Regional Awardee” under the Dangal ng Bayan Award Category for utmost observance and demonstration of the Norms of Conduct and Ethical Standard of Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713) during the 2021 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees. His profound dedication has been instrumental in achieving the objective providing excellent public service to the customers. Awarded in September 23, 2021 via Virtual Regional Awarding Ceremonies by the Civil Service Commission Caraga Regional Office, Butuan City.
Chairperson, Caraga Regional Development Council & Member of the Mindanao Development Authority Advisory Committee
As the highest policy-making body in the Region, Demerey being a member of the Mindanao Development Authority Advisory Committee, and the chairperson of Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) and his team initiated a series of consultations and dialogues that transpired among the Region’s key stakeholders – spanning from government institutions, local government units, private sector organizations, civil society organizations, and academe to name a few. The Caraga Regional Development Plan 2023-2028, anchored on the Filipinos’ aspiration to attain a Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay, embodies the aspirations of Caraganons to experience a truly inclusive socioeconomic transformation, which shall bring to the forefront of development. With the Plan at hand, the Caraga RDC shall track HAP Form No. 2 (Rev. 2023) the Region’s progress in attaining the desired socioeconomic outcomes under our Industrialize and Innovate Fishery, Agro-Forestry, Mining, and Ecotourism or i2FAME strategy and ensure that the Region’s growth shall be inclusive and sustainable. With this position and responsibility at hand, Demerey not only serves the Dinagat Islands, but his “serbisyong remedy” now reaches the Caraga Region.
Member of the League of Provinces of the Philippines
Governor Nilo P. Demerey, Jr.’s active membership in the League of Provinces of the Philippines offers substantial advantages to the Province of Dinagat Islands. Engaging in this association allows the nominee to enhance the well-being of the province by promoting unity and cooperation among other provinces, advocating for local autonomy, and participating in initiatives aimed at advancing local government units. The League aids in crafting and executing policies, empowering governors to influence decisions that benefit their provinces positively.
Promoted as the battalion commander of the 1505RRIBN, 1505CDC, 15RCDG
LTC NILO P DEMEREY JR GSC (PA) RES is responsible for leading and commanding their unit effectively to achieve mission success. He is committed in building teams, strengthening soldier resilience, and enhancing unit performance. To ensure the strengthening of nation building and social security as a battalion commander, LTC DEMEREY focus on activities that contribute to community development and security. Recruiting students from the province of Dinagat Islands into the Philippine Army Reservist is a positive step towards enhancing skills, moral development, self-discipline, and promoting volunteerism among the youth.
Completed Master in Public Management, Major in Development and Security (MPM-DevSec) Batch 21 at Development Academy of the Philippines
Graduated at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commission Officer Club, last December 11, 2023. This accomplishment will bring positive impacts to the PLGU and the province as a whole. His educational background equips him with the knowledge and skills necessary to address development challenges, enhance security measures, and implement effective governance strategies. This expertise can lead to improved governance practices, better infrastructure development, increased community participation, and overall progress in PDI.
Highest Achiever of the 4th SP Award
Demerey was declared Highest Achiever of the 4th SP for a matchless performance during his term as the Senior Board Member, 4th Sangguniang Panlalawigan year 2016-2017 of Dinagat Islands with the following notable facts:
Author of some key ordinances
i.e., PPP CODE, PDI Scholarship Program, 2017 Revenue Code, Budget for the Provincial Law Scholarship Program, Provincial Administrative Code, among others.
Passed and approved 127 Ordinances
Number 1 on the number of Ordinances passed.
Authored 433 Resolutions the highest number of Resolution passed
He also rendered the highest Committee Reports during his term.
Held as OIC and / or Acting Governor and Vice Governor from time to time enabling the official transactions of the provincial government on the normal flow.
Best Legislator Award 2018 & 2019
Awarded Best Legislator Award by the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands thru the Program on Rewards, Awards, and Incentives for the Service Excellence (PRAISE) during the Gabi ng Parangal. This was given in profound recognition for his exemplary public service, outstanding achievement and in making numerous contributions. He authored the highest number of Ordinances and Resolutions that contributed to the smooth delivery of service to address problems encountered by the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands including the 7 municipalities and 100 Barangays.
Nilo P. Demerey, Jr.’s life and career exemplify a profound commitment to public service, ethical leadership, and community development. His contributions to education, youth advocacy, and governance have left a lasting impact on Dinagat Islands and the broader Caraga region. His unwavering dedication and exemplary conduct continue to inspire and influence positive change in his community and beyond.
