Biography
Hon. Samuel "Sammy" S. Co is a prominent Filipino businessman, entrepreneur, and veteran politician who currently serves as the City Mayor of Pagadian, Zamboanga Peninsula. An architect by profession who ranked third in the national board examinations, he successfully transitioned into business and public service, establishing major local enterprises and franchises.
His extensive leadership career spans nearly three decades, during which he served as City Councilor (1998–2003), Vice Mayor (2003–2004), and City Mayor across multiple terms (2004–2013; 2019–present). Under his governance, Pagadian City underwent major economic transformations, highlighted by the expansion of the Pagadian City Domestic Airport, the establishment of the government-owned City Commercial Center (C3) Mall, and the integration of the city as the official administrative center of Region IX.
In early 2026, Mayor Co announced his formal bid to run for Governor of Zamboanga del Sur in the May 2028 elections. A resilient leader, he successfully overcame major political and legal challenges throughout his career, including a full legal clearance from a high-profile 2013 financial controversy and the official verification of his status as a natural-born Filipino citizen. He remains a driving force in the political and economic landscape of the Zamboanga Peninsula.