Francisco Rabat
Francisco "Paking" Garcia Rabat (June 19, 1934 – July 19, 2008) was a Filipino politician and basketball player. Basketball career. Rabat was also a member of the Philippine national basketball team and was part of the squad that won the bronze medal at the 1954 FIBA World Championship He was given the monicker, "Rajah of Rebound". At 18 years old, Rabat was also the youngest player in the squad. In college basketball, he played for the Ateneo Blue Eagles. Political career. Rabat served as Governor of Davao Oriental from 1978 to 1986. As governor, he oversaw the project for  the Mati Airport. He also served as the mayor of Mati. With Joel Mayo Almario, whose family is a political rival of the Rabats, Rabat successfully lobbied for the cityhood of Mati. Mati, a former municipality, became a component city on June 19, 2008 after a plebiscite held the day before. He sought re-election in 2007 local elections but withdrew his bid after he was diagnosed with cancer. His daughter Michelle campaigned in his stead and was elected as Mati mayor. Death. Rabat died on July 19, 2008 while confined at the Davao Doctors Hospital due to cancer. Personal  life. He was married with Edith Nakpil, a former beauty queen who competed in the Miss Philippines pageant. Rabat had four sons and a daughter with Nakpil.