Romy Tiongco, well known in United Reformed churches in North West England and on Merseyside, will feature in Songs of Praise on BBC1 on Sunday 12 July, as one of four people of courage.

Romy is a former Christian Aid worker in the region, but returned to his home in the Philippines, to become mayor of his home town, Damulog.  His election on an anti-corruption ticket in May 2007, followed serious violence during which a colleague was shot dead. Threats were made against Romy and those standing for election alongside him, but since taking office they have stood by their promises to tackle the causes of rural poverty. Noticing the difference Romy’s policies are making to their everyday lives, people have been asking him to reconsider his initial decision to serve for one three-year term only. 

He says: “I will only run if 8,000 people sign a petition asking me to, and each signature is accompanied by a donation for the campaign.  The amount we’re asking for is very little – 5 pesos or about 7p – but it is a symbolic gesture which agricultural workers who earn £1.70 a day can afford.” This would be a  reversal of what often happens in the Philippines at election times, when politicians give poor people cash handouts to secure their vote but then do very little to help them once voted in.

Romy and his wife, Linda, founded a charity MuCAARD, now registered in the UK ,  which brings Muslims and Christians together to tackle deforestation and encourage sustainable forestry.

MuCAARD http://mucaard-uk.org/Whoweare.aspx

BBC Songs of Praise, Sunday 12 July, 17:00, BBC1 - exploring Courage.