One of the many poor Boholanos who succeeded in life by applying the time-tested Boholano formula of mixing humility, godliness and determination is Zamboanga del Sur’s winnings and undefeated politician, Congressman Isidro E. Real, Jr. He was in Baclayon, Bohol on April 4, 1936. His family migrated to Zamboanga del Sur when he was still three-year-old. He finished the 10-year elementary and secondary studies in only 6 years. He finished high school as Valedictorian. Instead of going straight to college immediately, he took up a vocational course, typing, due to lack of funds. He then worked as Clerk-Typist in the Office of the Governor of Zamboanga del Sur for 4 years. Aware that the big metropolis would offer more challenges, he ventured to Manila as a Special Clerk in the office of the late Congressman Canuto M. S. Enerio.
While working, he was a consistent Dean’s Lister student at Lyceum of the Philippines where he graduated Bachelor of Law and later passed the bar copping 7th place nationwide. Atty. Isidro Real, Jr. went back to Zamboanga del Sur to practice his profession and rendered free legal advice. After this stint he went to Manila and worked as a bank lawyer. He returned to Zamboanga del Sur and won for a seat in the Provincial Board. However, the momentum and his political career was cut short when President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law. He decided to return to Manila and won in the 1984 election for Members of the Batasang Pambansa. He returned to Congress after the lapse of 22 years, no longer as a Special Clerk, but as a member of the legislative body. In the aftermath of the 1986 EDSA Revolution, he was appointed by President Cory Aquino as Undersecretary in the Department of Public Works and Highways. He won the 1987 Congressional elections.
In the 1992 local elections, he returned to the Capitol and was no longer a Clerk-Typist but the Governor. He was re-elected Governor handily in 1995 and 1998. No longer eligible to seek re-election after serving 3 consecutive terms, he ran for Congressman in 2001, and again won. In the 51-year history of the province, he is the only top provincial politician to be elected seven times. Congressman Isidro E. Real, Jr. was first married to the late Eliza – Eladio Bañez, a former teacher and businesswoman. Presently he is married to the former Neonita Unajan Nadala of Carmen, Bohol, a business entrepreneur. Indeed, he is one Boholano who is worthy of emulation.
