Melchor D. Diclas, MD, is the 22nd Governor of Benguet. He started serving in the province since 2007, thinking of how to be of great help to others
In 2007, Dr. Diclas decided to run for Vice Mayor of Buguias and succeeded. After one term as Vice Mayor, he decided to run as a Mayor and got the heart of the people of Buguias, who gave him another term when he sought reelection after his first term. As Mayor, he was awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping in 2011 and Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping in 2014.
Due to his dedication to serve his hometown, even at a young age while in college, he was elected as Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman of his native place, Natubleng, Buguias, Benguet, in 1992.
During his college days, Dr. Diclas already had the potential of becoming an outstanding leader. In 1996, he was elected as the Governor for the College of Medicine Saint Louis University (SLU)–Supreme Student Council at the same time, he was the President of Samahang Medicina, College of Medicine in SLU.
He finished his elementary level at Natubleng Elementary School, entered and finished his secondary level at San Jose High School in La Trinidad, Benguet and Saint Paul’s Academy at Atok, Benguet. Perhaps he is destined to become a doctor, from his initials itself, M.D. (Melchor Diclas). He decided to take a Bachelor of Science in Biology with the vision of becoming a doctor.
Dr. Diclas continued his studies of medicine both in SLU and later with his Medical internship still at Saint Louis University in Baguio City in 1997. He passed the Physician Licensure Examination in August 1998. From 2001 to 2004, he finished his Specialty Training in General Surgery at Baguio General Hospital Medical Center. Later, Rotated for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery at the University of the Philippines—Philippine General Hospital.
He is a fellow of Philippine College of Surgeons and Fellow Society of General Surgeons. Dr. Diclas is married to Ever Kigangan from Kabayan, Benguet, and blessed with three beautiful children, named Melchor Jr., Ever Myrrh, and Mallix Melchor.