A Tribute to Leonides Theresa Borja - Plaza

Her Legacy in Vallehermoso, Toledo, and Agusan – A Life of Service, Love, and Butuanon Pride

Leonides Theresa Borja Plaza, affectionately known as Daisy, was far more than a distinguished public figure—she was a fuerza de la naturaleza, a woman who inspired others, and a mother not only to her children but to an entire community. Her story is woven through the threads of Vallehermoso and Toledo, where she was born and raised, and Agusan del Sur, where she left an enduring legacy.

Of strong and noble blood, Daisy was the great-granddaughter of María Geopano and Serafín Bernus of Vallehermoso, granddaughter of Felomina Geopano Bernus Borja, and part of the illustrious Geopano Clan of Guihulngan City. Her lineage already spoke of strong women, but she elevated that legacy through a life devoted to service and leadership.

From a very young age, she showed a brave and passionate spirit, winning Mejor Declamadora in both elementary and high school. Her intelligence, beauty, and charisma were not used for personal glory, but to uplift others. When she became a beauty queen, Daisy was already in full bloom—una mujer decidida a marcar la diferencia.

As the wife of former Butuan City Mayor Democrito “Boy Daku” Plaza II, she was more than a partner—she was his rock, his muse, and his silent strength. As a mother to eight children, three of whom rose to become the top officials of Agusan del Sur, Daisy’s love, discipline, and deep humanity were vividly reflected in their success.

But Daisy’s influence extended well beyond her home. Her calling to serve led her to become president of various parent-teacher associations, an active member of the Caraga Tourism Council, and between 2001 and 2004, the first female mayor of Butuan City. Under her leadership, the city received national recognition for good governance, environmental stewardship, and excellence in public service. She created meaningful programs like TAWAG for differently-abled children, and Balangayan Butuan, which offered safe housing for vulnerable families living along the Agusan Riverbanks.

Her passion for Butuanon culture shone brightly in 2010, when, as Chairperson of the Mindanao Tourism Council, she led the voyage of the Balangay boat with the Diwata ng Lahi, a testament to her deep love for heritage, history, and her people.

Even beyond public office, Daisy continued to shine. She was appointed the only female board member of the Philippine National Oil Corporation, and later became President of the DDPII Holdings Corporation and Chairperson of the Eliton Borja Corporation, guiding the family’s business with wisdom and integrity.

In 2019, she was rightfully honored as one of the 17 Most Outstanding Women in the Butuanon Choice Awards—a reflection of how her legacy continues to inspirar a tantas otras mujeres.

Yet, among all her roles and accolades, the one she holds closest to her heart is that of a grandmother. With the same boundless love that nurtured her children, she now embraces her fourteen grandchildren, planting in them the seeds of greatness, compassion, and faith.

Leonides Theresa Borja Plaza — Daisy — did not merely live a life worth admiring; she lived a life that transformed everyone fortunate enough to be near her. Her legacy lives on in her deeds, her family, and in every corazón butuanon touched by her generous spirit.

A woman who inspires other women.

Una verdadera leona de su tiempo.

Leonides Theresa Borja -Plaza