Amatong served as the governor of Davao del Norte[1] from 1992 until 1998 and as a Congressman in the House of Representatives of the Philippines from 1998 until 2007.

[2] As governor, Amatong spearheaded the creation of a new province Compostela Valley, which consists eleven municipalities which were formerly part of Davao del Norte.

[2] Prospero Amatong suffered a fall in a New York City park in May 2009 while on vacation with his wife, Luz, their children and other family members.

Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy called Amatong, "...exceptional as a leader, a master politician.

"[3] Laak Mayor Reynaldo Navarro referred to Amatong as, "a legend, a real champion who has never tasted defeat.

"[3] Former Davao del Norte Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio Jr., a friend of Amatong during his governorship, spoke of him, "am saddened by the death of a great man whose life was dedicated to mankind.