George T. Hofer
George Hofer | |
|---|---|
| 1st Governor of Zamboanga Sibugay | |
| In office February 22, 2001 – June 30, 2010 | |
| Vice Governor | Eugenio Famor (2001–2004) Eric Cabarios (2004–2007) Rey Andre Olegario (2007–2010) |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Rommel Jalosjos |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Zamboanga del Sur's 3rd district | |
| In office June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2001 | |
| Preceded by | Belma A. Cabilao |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished (District dissolved into Zamboanga Sibugay's at-large congressional district.) |
| Mayor of Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay | |
| In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1998 | |
| Preceded by | Unknown |
| Succeeded by | Unknown |
| Personal details | |
| Born | George Tocao Hofer February 26, 1938 |
| Died | January 6, 2019 (aged 80) Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines |
| Resting place | George T. Hofer Park, Barangay Bangko, Titay |
| Party | Lakas-Kampi (2010) |
| Other political affiliations | LDP (2004-2010) Kampi (2001-2004) LAMMP (1998-2001) |
| Spouse | Dulce K. Hofer |
| Relations | Marly Hofer-Hasim (neice) |
| Children | 3 (including Dulce Ann |
| Alma mater | Far Eastern University (BS) Southwestern University (MD) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Profession | Physician |
George Tocao Hofer Sr. (February 26, 1938 – January 6, 2019) was a Filipino politician and physician who founded the province of Zamboanga Sibugay in 2001 and served as its 1st Governor from 2001 to 2010.
Early life and education
George Tocao Hofer was born on February 26, 1938 in Malabang in the then-united Lanao province (now part of Lanao del Sur) in the Philippines and took preparatory medicine at the Far Eastern University and went to Southwestern University to get his medical degree.[1] Hofer is of German and Spanish blood, he also has a sister named Marlene.[2]
Political career
Pre-governorship
Hofer was elected as mayor of Titay, Zamboanga del Sur (now Zamboanga Sibugay) in 1992, and was re-elected in 1995 and 1998. Hofer being term limited, ran and won as House Representative of Zamboanga del Sur's 3rd congressional district. As congressman, Hofer pushed to separate his district from Zamboanga del Sur to make a new province,[3] and on November 7, 2000, President Joseph Estrada signed Republic Act (R.A) No. 8973, forming the province of Zamboanga Sibugay and on February 22, 2001, the Republic Act was ratified and Hofer was appointed as the first Governor of Zamboanga Sibugay.
Governor of Zamboanga Sibugay (2001-2010)
Hofer was officially elected as the governor of the province in 2001 and was re-elected in 2004 and 2007[4][5], On April 6, 2010, a radio stationed owned by Hofer was bombed.[6] After being term-limited, Hofer's daughter, then representative Dulce Ann ran in 2010 to replace him but was defeated by Rommel Jalosjos, son of former Zamboanga del Norte representative and convicted child rapist Romeo Jalosjos Sr.[7] Hofer ran for the mayor of the Zamboanga Sibugay's capital Ipil but lost,[8][7] Hofer retired from politics in 2010.[9]
Post-governorship and death
Hofer lived a quiet life until he death on January 6, 2019 in Cebu City, Philippines. His funeral was held at St Joseph the Worker Parish Cathedral and was burried at George T. Hofer Park of barangay Bangko, Titay.[10]
Personal life
Hofer married doctor Dulce Kintanar and had 3 kids with her. His 3 kids are Marieta, George "Jet" II, and Dulce Ann. Dulce Ann is the 4th and current governor of Zamboanga Sibugay after being elected in 2022[11] and 2025.[12] George II attempted to dive into politics by running for representative of Zamboanga Sibugay's 2nd district in 2010 but lost to Jon-jon Jalosjos,[7] he ran for governor against Wilter Palma in 2019 but lost. He ran again as representative in 2022 but lost to Antonieta Eudela.[13] Hofer is also the maternal uncle of incumbent Zamboanga Sibugay's 2nd district representative Marly Hofer–Hasim.
References
- ^ "Personal Profile of GOV. GEORGE T. HOFER". League of Provinces of the Philippines. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ^ Torrevillas, Domini M. "Dark clouds on open skies". Philstar.com. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ^ "Zamboanga Sibugay founding father passes away at 80". GMA News Online. January 7, 2019. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ^ "Former Zamboanga Sibugay governor passes away". cnn. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ^ "SPECIAL REPORT(2): It?s still all in the family: More political dynasties". May 5, 2007. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ^ Deliverio, Joseph Arnel (April 5, 2010). "Sibugay radio station bombed". VERA Files. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ^ a b c Sunnexdesk (May 13, 2010). "Jalosjos is new political kingpin of Zambo Peninsula". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ^ "Zamboanga Sibugay 2010 Election Candidates". Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ^ "Zamboanga Sibugay 'founding-father' passes away at 80 | Philippine News Agency". www.pna.gov.ph. Archived from the original on June 17, 2025. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ^ Bagayas, Samantha (January 6, 2019). "Ex-Zamboanga Sibugay governor George Hofer dies at 80". RAPPLER. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ^ G, Herbie (May 10, 2022). "Hofer sees big win in race for Zamboanga Sibugay's top post". RAPPLER. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ^ Tolosa, James (May 15, 2025). "Ann Hofer Re-elected Zamboanga Sibugay Governor in Landslide". Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ^ Manaytay, Antonio (October 6, 2021). "Son of Zamboanga Sibugay's first governor runs for congressman". Retrieved March 17, 2026.