RAMON “NITO” DUTERTE DURANO III
City Mayor of Danao City, Former Congressman, Public Servant and a Health Advocate
Ramon “Nito” Duterte Durano III, the incumbent Vice Mayor of Danao City, Cebu, was born on July 7, 1948, in Danao City to prominent public servants Ramon “Mano Amon” Mercado Durano Sr. and Beatriz Ypil Duterte. Raised in a family deeply rooted in civic leadership and political service, his upbringing was steeped in the ideals of community development and governance. His father, fondly referred to as the “Father of Danao City,” and his mother played key roles in the city’s charterhood and early economic advancement, which significantly influenced Nito’s own path in public service.
Durano’s educational journey was both local and international. He completed his primary education at St. Theresa’s College in Cebu City and continued his elementary studies at the University of San Carlos–Boys’ High School. He later moved to the United States, where he attended Drew High School in San Francisco for his secondary education and subsequently pursued his college degree at the University of San Francisco.
In 1967, Durano married Elizabeth Limguaco Hotchkiss. Together, they raised seven children in their family home at RD Hill in Guinsay, Danao City.
Durano’s career in public service spans several decades. He began his political journey as a member of the Cebu Provincial Legislature (1978–1980), and shortly thereafter, served as Vice Governor of Cebu Province (1980–1984). His experience at the provincial level led to his election as a Member of the Batasang Pambansa (1984–1986), the national legislative assembly during that period.
Following the restoration of the Philippine Congress, Durano served as Congressman for Cebu’s 5th District from 1987 to 1998. During his tenure, he held notable positions, including Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Committee on Youth and Sports Development in his later terms. His legislative work frequently emphasized youth empowerment, sports development, and grassroots connectivity.
His commitment to public service extended beyond Philippine borders through participation in official government delegations and international parliamentary conferences. Among these were the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the 81st Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference in Budapest, the UN General Assembly in New York, and official state visits to Vietnam, Russia, and Austria, among others. As Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports, he also represented the Philippines at major international sporting events, including the Hiroshima Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta.
In 2001, Durano was elected Mayor of Danao City, a post he held until 2010. After serving as Vice Mayor for one term, he was re-elected as Mayor and has since continued to serve, now in his ninth term. Throughout his administration, he has remained committed to inclusive development, peace and order, public health, and the promotion of a disciplined, active lifestyle among his constituents. He is affectionately known among locals as “Dodong Nito.”
In his current term, Mayor Durano advances a Five-Point Agenda centered on Connectivity—a vision that emphasizes integration:
- With the people of Danao (Danawanons),
- Across development sectors,
- Between the executive and legislative branches,
- In transparent and participatory governance,
- And in the delivery of essential social services.
He consistently underscores the importance of collaboration among all branches and sectors to achieve Danao’s long-term goal of attaining first-class and independent city status. “Let us dignify their ballot with our resolute will,” he once remarked, “and let us strive to be excellent—for our family and for our city.”
Outside of his political career, Durano has been a strong advocate of civic engagement and sports. In 2001, he was appointed National Commissioner for Mountain Biking under the Philippine Amateur Cycling Association. He also served as Executive Vice President of the Philippine Jaycees in 1973 and was later honored as a Senator by Jaycees International.
He currently chairs the Board of Trustees of the Ramon M. Durano Sr. Foundation, which operates a home for the aged in Danao City, providing care and support for the elderly. He also sits on the board of the Ramon Nito Family Foundation Inc. (RNDFFI), further exemplifying his lifelong commitment to public welfare and community service. (PIO)