Incumbent Mercedes barangay captain and mayoral hopeful Clint Idahosa. SUPPLIED

Meet Clint Idahosa, the businessman-turned-barangay captain who is transforming Mercedes, Eastern Samar. Now, he is running for mayor to create jobs, build infrastructure, and uplift his community.

In the quiet municipality of Mercedes, Eastern Samar, a new kind of leader is capturing the hearts of its people. Clint Idahosa, a successful businessman turned transformative barangay captain, now sets his sights on transforming his hometown as he announces his candidacy for mayor in 2025. His remarkable story of resilience, leadership, and community service resonates deeply with the townsfolk who are eager to see him bring his vision for progress to life. When Clint stepped into public service in 2023 as the barangay captain of San Jose, Mercedes, Eastern Samar, he was already a thriving businessman at the helm of a global recruitment company. His entry into politics, however, was not part of his original life plan. “It was the last thing on my mind,” Clint recalls. “But it was the people’s call. My peers, neighbors, and community leaders encouraged me to run because they believed I could bring value to the community.” Without campaign funding or political experience, Clint relied solely on grassroots support and a reputation for integrity, securing a landslide victory. That win marked the start of a new chapter in his life, one deeply rooted in service and transformation. As barangay captain, Clint wasted no time addressing long-standing community issues. His achievements include securing funding to revitalize the San Jose covered court, transforming the once-abandoned space into a vibrant hub for sports and gatherings. He also leads the ongoing construction of a much-needed cemented road linking San Jose to Busay, easing the daily struggles of farmers and students. Under Clint's leadership, Barangay San Jose earned multiple accolades from the Department of Interior and Local Government, including recognition as one of the cleanest barangays and a top performer in road-clearing operations and the "Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay" initiative. But Clint’s aspirations extend beyond barangay leadership. Inspired by his ability to create meaningful change, he is now setting his sights on the mayoralty of Mercedes. “I want to see Mercedes become the most progressive municipality in Eastern Samar,” Clint says. “I am running not for myself but for the people who, like me, dream of a better future.” Clint’s determination and compassion are deeply rooted in his early life. Born to a Nigerian father and a Filipina mother, Clint grew up in Barangay San Jose, raised by his grandmother after his mother left to work abroad. “My grandmother was my anchor. She taught me the importance of hard work, honesty, and helping others, even when you have little to give,” he shares. Despite her meager resources, Clint’s grandmother made education a priority. Life wasn’t easy. Clint was often bullied for his dark complexion. “They called me negro,” he said. But instead of retaliating, he chose to build friendships. Life took a pivotal turn when Clint moved in with his uncle, a former mayor of Mercedes, in his high school years. His uncle provided food, housing, and school fees, while Clint worked tirelessly in return, helping with household chores and his uncle’s businesses, including an upholstery shop, grocery store, and restaurant. Clint later moved to Leyte to pursue a Criminology degree. “I’ve always loved the idea of helping people and maintaining peace and order,” he said. Yet life had other plans. While visiting Manila, a family friend gave him his estranged father’s address. This led to a fateful exchange of letters, beginning a reconnection that would change Clint’s life. Encouraged by his father’s replies, Clint persevered through college, juggling odd jobs like construction work and selling grated coconut in the market to support his education. “Every day, I woke up at 3am to prepare my stall, attended classes from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and spent my evenings buying and preparing coconuts for the next day. It was exhausting, but I knew education was my ticket to a better life,” he says.

From entrepreneur to public servant

In 2001, Clint finally met his father in Nigeria. The meeting was transformative. His father encouraged him to complete his education there, where Clint earned a bachelor’s degree in Commerce and a postgraduate diploma in Business Management. His father also mentored him, instilling core values that continue to guide him. “He always told me, ‘Integrity, competence, and passion are the keys to success,’” Clint recalls. After graduation, Clint worked in various international recruitment companies, honing his skills and climbing the corporate ladder to become an operations manager handling recruitment across Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. His experiences inspired him to establish his own business, the New Change Group of Companies, which has since become a global recruitment powerhouse. As CEO and President of New Change Group of Companies that has offices in Ireland, Nigeria and Philippines, Clint has provided employment opportunities for thousands of workers across Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. His success has not only elevated his family’s fortunes but also positioned him as a changemaker in his community. “I know what it’s like to struggle, and I want to help others rise above their challenges,” Clint explains. “That’s why I’m passionate about creating jobs and empowering people through skills training.” Despite his professional success, Clint never forgot his roots. Returning to Mercedes, he reconnected with his mother, rebuilding a relationship that had been shaped by years of distance. “I never held any grudge against her,” he said. “She did what she had to do for our family. Now, we’re closer than ever.” In 2023, Clint answered another call to serve, running for barangay captain of San Jose. Despite being new to politics and relying solely on grassroots support, he won by a landslide. As barangay captain, Clint spearheaded key infrastructure projects, earning multiple government recognitions. Now, Clint aims to bring his business acumen and leadership skills to a larger stage. Running for mayor in 2025, he envisions Mercedes as a progressive municipality with sustainable job opportunities and thriving businesses. Clint’s mayoral platform focuses on economic development, job creation, and sustainable infrastructure. Drawing from his business acumen and global network, he plans to attract investors, establish training programs, and create employment opportunities to reduce poverty in Mercedes. “I’ve been in the shoes of those struggling to make ends meet,” Clint said. “If elected, I will use my global network to bring investors, improve infrastructure, and create jobs that will transform the lives of our people.” For Clint, leadership isn’t about personal gain. It’s about living out the values of honesty, hard work, and integrity. “Mercedes deserves a leader who can bring real opportunities,” Clint says. “I’m ready to work tirelessly to make that happen.” PR/Expat Media
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