Who Is Jamila Ruma? Facts on the 21-Year-Old Mayor-Elect of Rizal, Cagayan

The daughter of slain mayoral candidate Joel Ruma makes history as the youngest mayor-elect in the Philippines.

Published on May 14, 2025

Meet the 21-year-old mayor-elect, Jamila Ruma or Rizal, Cagayan province.

The 2025 Midterm Elections had their fair share of upsets and triumphs. On both national and local levels, Filipinos cast their votes for the next generation of leaders, leading to a few unexpected results.

In Rizal, Cagayan province, 21-year-old Jamila Ruma emerged victorious as the municipality's mayor-elect. She succeeds her father, Joel Ruma, who was slain at an election sortie last April 23, a mere few weeks before the elections were held.

Recounting her father's demise, Jamila recalled: “It was supposed to be a normal campaign day for us. We arrived at Barangay Illuru Sur around 6 p.m., and we were overwhelmed by the number of people who came to show their support... Then it happened—one shot, straight to my dad. He fell, and then more shots followed. My mom and I couldn’t run to him. Bullets were being fired in our direction. We had to hide."

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PHOTOS: Facebook/Jamila Ruma

Jamila fortifies herself with the values her father instilled in her, writing, "Daddy, we still can’t accept that you're gone. We’re trying to stay strong because that’s what you would want us to do. You taught me how to be strong."

With her father still in the running for the mayoral post, Jamila filled in for his position, leading to her proclamation as the winner come election day. With her appointment, she becomes one of the youngest public servants in Filipino history. Ahead, we list down essential facts to know about her.

Fast Facts

Who Is Jamila Ruma, the 21-Year-Old Mayor-Elect of Rizal, Cagayan?

Jamila recently graduated from De La Salle University

Prior to taking on her new post as mayor, Jamila attained her degree in Development Studies from De La Salle University. She was reported to be a consistent dean's lister and was a best thesis awardee.

Jamila will serve alongside her mother

Jamila will serve Rizal, Cagayan alongside her mother Brenda Ruma, who was re-elected as vice mayor. Brenda edged out her opponents with 6,448 tallied votes.

Jamila had a lead of 2000 votes over her opponents

According to Comelec data as of the time of writing, Jamila won over her closest opponent Ralph Mamauag with over 2000 votes. Jamila, substituting her father Joel, ran under the National People's Coalition or NPC.

Jamila describes her win as a "bittersweet victory"

Upon winning the top post in Rizal, Cagayan, Jamila took to her Facebook page to express her gratitude to her and her family's supporters. She stated how it was a "bittersweet victory," writing, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported, trusted, and fought alongside Team RUMA. All the love and support that everyone has shown us is priceless."

“I promise you that I will make sure to continue the legacy of my father, Mayor Atty. Joel A. Ruma. I will not neglect our town of Rizal," she punctuated. At 21 years old, she officially becomes one of the youngest elected public officials in Philippine history.

Em Enriquez is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're an editorial assistant at Preview who can't live without pop music and lemon-tinted sunnies.