Francis Gerald Abaya
Francis Gerald Abaya | |
|---|---|
| Born | Francis Gerald Aguinaldo Abaya September 15, 1975 Philippines |
| Other names | Boy Blue Abaya |
| Occupation(s) | Architect, public official |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Known for | Representative of Cavite's 1st district (2013–2022) |
Francis Gerald "Boy Blue" Aguinaldo Abaya (born September 15, 1975) is an architect and Filipino public official who represented Cavite's 1st district in the House of Representatives of the Philippines from 2013 until 2022.
Early life and education
Abaya is the son of former legislator Plaridel Abaya and Consuelo Aguinaldo-Abaya, the granddaughter of Emilio Aguinaldo, the Philippines' inaugural president. His sibling is Joseph Emilio Abaya, who previously served both as a congressman and as the Secretary of Transportation and Communications.
He completed his bachelor's degree in architecture at the Wentworth Institute of Technology located in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2002, and successfully passed the Architectural Board Examination that same year.
Early career
Prior to his political tenure, Abaya held the position of Resident Architect with several construction and real estate companies and also taught architecture courses at De La Salle University – Dasmariñas.
Political career
Abaya began his political journey in 2013 when he was elected as the representative for Cavite's 1st District under the Liberal Party, taking over from his brother Joseph Emilio Abaya who stepped down to assume the role of Transportation Secretary. He garnered 94,283 votes, accounting for 67.96% of the total. During the 16th Congress, he held roles as vice-chairman of the House Committee on Information and Communications Technology and assistant majority leader on the Committee on Rules. Among his legislative initiatives was a bill aimed at reinstating compulsory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) participation in higher education institutions.
In the 2016 elections, Abaya secured a second term and endorsed Liberal Party presidential contender Mar Roxas. Throughout the 17th Congress, he served as vice-chairman for multiple committees including Climate Change, Information and Communications Technology, as well as Science and Technology.
Re-elected in 2019 with a vote share of 78.56%, Abaya led the House Special Committee on Bases Conversion as chairman and maintained vice-chairmanships on committees addressing Climate Change, Information and Communications Technology, and Science and Technology. Additionally, he contributed to committees focused on Government Enterprises and Privatization, Housing and Urban Development, along with Social Services. Significantly, he was one of twelve Liberal Party legislators who aligned with the Duterte-led “Super Majority Coalition” within the House.
Personal life
Abaya is married to Dr. Nadia Khoo-Abaya, a medical professional, and together they have three children.
He holds membership in the United Architects of the Philippines and is recognized as a fellow by the Philippine Institute for Architects.