Darel Uy

Darel Dexter Tang Uy (born August 1, 1979), is a Filipino politician who is the 11th Governor of Zamboanga del Norte, having been elected to the office in the 2025 Philippine local elections. Uy previously served as the 20th Mayor of Dipolog from 2016 until 2025, stepping down from the position upon assuming office as governor of Zamboanga del Norte on June 30, 2025.

Darel Uy
Uy in 2024
11th Governor of Zamboanga del Norte
Incumbent
Assumed office June 30, 2025
Preceded by	Rosalina G. Jalosjos
20th Mayor of Dipolog
In office June 30, 2016 – June 30, 2025
Preceded by	Evelyn T. Uy
Succeeded by	Roberto Y. Uy
Personal details
Born	Darel Dexter Tang Uy (1979-08-01) August 1, 1979 (age 46) Quezon City, Philippines
Political party	Lakas (2023–present)
Other political affiliations	Liberal (2016–2018) PDP–Laban (2018–2023)
Relations	Berto Uy (Father) Pinpin Uy (Stepsibling)
Residence	Dipolog
Occupation	Politician

Mayor of Dipolog (2016-2025)

During his tenure as Mayor of Dipolog, Uy spearheaded numerous initiatives that contributed to public health, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and youth welfare.^[1] In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Uy established an RT-PCR laboratory to expedite testing and launched extensive vaccination campaigns, including house-to-house and drive-through services. These efforts culminated in a fully vaccinated population rate exceeding 112%, encompassing residents and individuals from neighboring provinces.^[2]

Uy also prioritized adolescent health by implementing The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in partnership with the Zuellig Family Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute.^[3] This program reduced teenage pregnancies, with adolescent birth rates dropping from 73.8 per 1,000 in 2018 to 31 in 2023.^[4] Under his leadership, all 28 health centers in Dipolog were accredited as adolescent-friendly health facilities, and 15 school-based teen centers were reactivated.^[3]

He inaugurated an Emergency Operations Center to address traffic accidents, fires, floods, and other disasters, operating 24/7 to ensure public safety.^[5] Dipolog was recognized as the Philippines' National Winner in the One Planet City Challenge 2021–2022 for its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Initiatives included the installation of solar-powered streetlights, covering 80% of major roads, and forest rehabilitation projects.^[6]

During his tenure, Dipolog earned accolades, including the Most Competitive Component City in Region 9 and recognition as a National Finalist for both the Most Business-Friendly LGU Award and the Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Cities..^[7]

In 2024, two employees of the Zamboanga del Norte provincial government filed cases before the Office of the Ombudsman against Uy and his father, Governor Berto Uy, accusing them of graft over the donation of P925.58 million worth of equipment belonging to the provincial government to local governments.^[8]

Governor of Zamboanga del Norte (since 2025)

Uy was elected as the 11th Governor of Zamboanga del Norte in the 2025 Philippine local elections. He assumed office on June 30, 2025, taking on the responsibilities of managing Zamboanga del Norte and implementing local programs and policies.^[9]