Most respected mayor of Cagayan de Oro

Many residents consider Justiano R. Borja the most admired and respected mayor of Cagayan de Oro. A graduate of Silliman University, Borja started his government service in 1954. He was responsible for the phenomenal growth of the city since 1959, when he opened the Cogon Market. A statue built in his honor stands at the Golden Friendship Park, made by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon V. Abueva.

Historian and anthropologist Dr. Antonio J. Montalvan II wrote that Borja was called the Arsenio Lacson of Cagayan de Oro because "he was, above all, no-nonsense. He ruled without fear or favor. He had political will. Most importantly, he remained simple and would walk to and from his office without any bodyguards. His funeral cortege, which I personally witnessed, was attended by legions of Cagay-anons, many of whom openly wept at the sight of his bier which was placed atop a decorated float. Shops and establishments were closed for business at their own behest."

Montalvan adds: "Borja is the only city mayor who has been given multiple honors, proof of how much he was loved by the city that he served so well. There is JR Borja St., JR Borja Memorial City Hospital, and the statue. He was the only city mayor of Cagayan de Oro given a doctorate degree honoris causa in public administration by Xavier University ... Many male babies were named Justiniano, complete with the nickname of Tiñing ... Raf Benaldo, who served as undersecretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), once told me that Tiñing Borja has become the benchmark for the city's public servants, a fact that, sadly, no one has capably equaled." -- Elson T. Elizaga