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Daughter of former solon, run for Congress

Baguio City, Inside Politics / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – Baguio Tourism Council Chair Gladys Vergara, formally filed her candidacy for Baguio City’s lone congressional seat ,on October 7. Gladys is the eldest daughter and political successor of retired Congressman Bernie Vergara. Along with her is Glenn Gaerlan,who filed for City Councilor. Following weeks of reflection, prayer, and consultation with her community, Gladys decided to pursue the seat once held by her father, who served with distinction for 12 years starting in 1992. She expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received and the role it played in her decision to run for office. “After much thought and prayer, I made the decision to run for Congress, offering my track record of service and leadership to the people of Baguio,” Gladys shared. She highlighted the strong encouragement from her community during her barangay visits as a significant factor in her decision to seek public office. Aside from being a successful entrepreneur, Gladys has served as the Chair BTC since 2019, a role in which she has been instrumental in revitalizing the city’s tourism economy during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing tourism as a primary economic driver for Baguio City. Gladys affirmed her readiness to represent the city in Congress, saying, “My father’s legacy of exceptional public service will continue to guide me as I work to represent the interests of our people.” Throughout her years of service, Gladys has held various leadership roles, starting as Sangguniang Kabataan Chair of Upper Quirino-Magsaysay (QM) Barangay, later becoming the head of the city’s SK Federation and a regional leader for Ilocos and the Cordillera. She then became a city councilor and was elevated to Vice Mayor of Baguio City by virtue of succession. In addition to her public service, Gladys has earned respect in Baguio’s business community as a successful entrepreneur andan advocate for renewable energy projects and initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, contributing to a more sustainable future. “I offer my gifts and experience in service to our community, praying that I may represent our people with competence, compassion, and integrity,” she said.

36 years of unparalleled public service, Mario Ortega once again bids for the gubernatorial seat.

Inside Politics, Region 1

Inside Politics, Region 1 / Street Journal

LAfter so many years of being the main man behind the leaderships of then Governor Manoling Ortega and Congressman Victor Ortega,it is time for Mario Ortega to continue and finish the legacy his parents and brothers have started.With the theme *Bunggoy nga Agserbi ti La Union”, Ortega filed his CoC as Governor, together with his team Eric Sibuma,for vice governor, today,October 7. His teamates, , reelectionist District 2 Dante Garcia: District 1 Congressman Paolo Ortega, also filed their CoC. For Provincial Board District 1 are BM Gerard Ostrea,Jennifer Mosuela,Chary Nisce,Arron Kyle Pinzon and Angelo Dominic Fontanilla,while for District 2 are Jefferson Fernando, Allysa Sibuma, Eulogio de Guzman III,Ruperto Rillera Jr and Tess Garcia. Known for being the public servant who keeps his good deeds in private,many have signified their support to the election bid of the incumbent Vice Governor. This, after many have aired their disappointment in the current leadership. The community pleads for the real change,change that they saw only the office of the Vice Governor has implemented. Where will the leadership of Mario Ortega take the province of La Union? It will gear towards inclusive leadership where everyone’s voice will definitely be heard. It also aims to provide sustainable assistance to all sectors to ensure individual and province wide progress.

Zamboanga City Mayor Dalipe support NACC programs

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Mayor John Dalipe expresses full support to the programs and projects of the National Authority for Children Care (NACC), as he joins the campaign to fight the stigma against adoption declaring he is a proud AMPON – Anak, Magulang, Pamilya, Ordinaryo, pero Natatangi! This, as NACC Undersecretary Jannela Ejercito Estrada and other NACC officials recently paid Mayor Dalipe a courtesy visit in City Hall to strengthen ties and partnerships with the city government and to capacitate the LGU to carry out shared responsibility in adoption and alternative child care mandate. The NACC which is an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD) is in the process of building a league of AMPON Heroes for Children. Usec. Estrada together with NACC Director III Imelda Ronda and Deputy Director for Services – Assistant Secretary Rowena Macalintal and NACC ambassadors Jake Ejercto and Thou Reyes, was in Zamboanga City recently to meet various agencies and the media to discuss the significance of legal adoption and the various alternative child care programs and services offered by the NACC. The NACC is also a partner of the city government in the conduct of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2024. Photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit

Senator Marcos, calls for the urgent repatriation of Filipinos affected by the conflict in Lebanon

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

Senator Imee R. Marcos call on the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers to evacuate all Filipinos from danger areas in Lebanon and to repatriate them to the Philippines as soon as possible. She said, Tte situation in Lebanon is becoming very dangerous as new rounds of Israeli air strikes once again hit Beirut and its surrounding suburbs, as well as northern portions of the country. According to the Health Ministry of Lebanon, more than 2,000 people have been killed already. Unfortunately, the circumstances in Lebanon may worsen as there is no sign that the hostilities will cease any time soon. For all intents and purposes, the situation is already an Alert Level 4 Crisis. “More civilians, including Filipinos, will undoubtedly be in harm’s way. This is a risk that the Philippine Government should never take. Thus, I strongly urge all of the concerned government agencies to immediately initiate all the necessary steps to bring the affected Filipinos to safety,’ the Senator stressed.

P600-M Pablo P. Garcia Civic and Business center to rise in Dumanjug

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

Dumanjug is set to build a new civic and business center which breaks ground on October 4. The P600-million Pablo P. Garcia Civic and Business Center, named in honor of the late governor and congressman Pablo “Pabling” Garcia, will soon stand in a 27-hectare property in Barangay Tapon. Mayor Efren Guntrano Gica shared that the project honors Gov. Pabling’s legacy, who served the province and district with distinction. “It is just right and proper nga tagaan og pasidungog, honor ang atong former congressman, former governor nga taga Dumanjug” Gica said. The groundbreaking event was graced by the Garcia family, led by Gov. Gwen Garcia together with third district representative Pablo John “PJ” Garcia, marking the start of construction for this Capitol-inspired center. Once completed, it will house various municipal offices and promote economic growth through commercial spaces, agriculture offices, and even a sports facility. (PIOCebu)

Gov. Atty. Jose Gambito files candidacy to sustain progress in Nueva Vizcaya

Inside Politics, Region 2

Inside Politics, Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday In a bid to continue his leadership and the ongoing progress in Nueva Vizcaya, Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito officially filed his certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Provincial Office,Bayombong, on October 5. Accompanied by his supportive family, including his wife Beth Gambito, their children, and grandchildren, Gov. Gambito emphasized the importance of family and community support in his political journey. Gambito, who stepped into the gubernatorial role following the passing of Gov. Carlos M. Padilla, has been a staunch advocate for unity—a principle he shared with the late governor. This shared vision of unity fostered a collaborative environment that has been crucial in the successful implementation of various programs and initiatives at the provincial capitol. “After assuming the gubernatorial post, we have gained significant momentum with programs benefiting the Novo Vizcayanos. I am committed to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that our progress continues uninterrupted,” he expressed. Under his administration, Nueva Vizcaya has achieved remarkable milestones, including being recognized as the second fastest-growing economy in the Philippines and being declared an insurgency-free province. Recently, the province was also recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as a national passer for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), highlighting its commitment to transparency and effective governance. Furthermore, Gambito himself was recognized as one of the top three best-performing governors in the Cagayan Valley, underscoring his exemplary leadership. Gov. Gambito is committed to advancing his flagship projects, including “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan,” “WiFi ti Umili,” and “Silaw ti Umili,” all designed to improve infrastructure, connectivity, and community services. A key focus of his agenda is inclusive governance, ensuring that every sector of society is represented and benefits from provincial initiatives. Additionally, his holistic approach prioritizes tourism, agriculture, education, health ,social welfare and environmental sustainability, aiming to create a thriving and equitable community for all Novo Vizcayanos. Joining him in his candidacy filing was former Gov. Ruth R. Padilla, who is running for a congressional seat. Despite being political opponents for the past decade, Gambito and Padilla have chosen to set aside their differences and collaborate for the benefit of the Novo Vizcayanos. Together, they aim to extend their legacy of unity and development under the coalition of the Nacionalista Party and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. Also part of their team is last-termer board member Patricio”Patpat” F. Dumlao Jr., who will vie for the vice gubernatorial position. Additionally, PB Theodore Omar Santos has filed his certificate of candidacy for Board Member of the North District under the NP-PFP coalition. The partnership between Gambito and Padilla aims to foster growth and development in Nueva Vizcaya, guided by unity, teamwork, and inclusivity. As they prepare for the upcoming term, their shared vision will help lead the province toward a brighter and more inclusive future.

Gladys Vergara declares candidacy for Congress

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

Gladys Vergara, the eldest daughter and political successor of retired Congressman Bernie Vergara, formally declared her candidacy for Baguio City’s lone congressional seat in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections. Following weeks of reflection, prayer, and consultation with her community, Gladys decided to pursue the seat once held by her father, who served with distinction for 12 years starting in 1992. In a message to her supporters, Gladys invited them to join her on Monday, October 7, for a send-off mass at the Lady of Grace Community Church in Upper QM at 11:00 AM, followed by the filing of her certificate of candidacy at the Baguio Convention Center at 2:30 PM. She expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received and the role it played in her decision to run for office. “After much thought and prayer, I made the decision to run for Congress, offering my track record of service and leadership to the people of Baguio,” Gladys shared. She highlighted the strong encouragement from her community during her barangay visits as a significant factor in her decision to seek public office. Aside from being a successful entrepreneur, Gladys has served as the Chair of the Baguio Tourism Council since 2019, a role in which she has been instrumental in revitalizing the city’s tourism economy during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing tourism as a primary economic driver for Baguio City. Gladys affirmed her readiness to represent the city in Congress, saying, “My father’s legacy of exceptional public service will continue to guide me as I work to represent the interests of our people.” Gladys Vergara began her public service as the Kabataang Barangay Chair of Upper Quirino-Magsaysay (QM) Barangay, and in 1985, she was elected as the Kabataang Barangay (KB) City Federation President, representing the youth in the Baguio City Council. She later became the regional leader for Ilocos and the Cordillera and Vice President of the National KB Federation. In 1987, she was elected as a regular city councilor, she eventually ascended to the position of Vice Mayor of Baguio City by virtue of succession. In addition to her public service, Gladys has earned respect in Baguio’s business community as a successful entrepreneur and an advocate for renewable energy projects and initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, contributing to a more sustainable future. Gladys concluded her announcement by thanking her supporters and extending an invitation for snacks and fellowship at Swiss Baker following the filing of her candidacy. “I offer my gifts and experience in service to our community, praying that I may represent our people with competence, compassion, and integrity,” she said.

Baguio City to heighten campaign vs smoke belching

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Gaby B. Keith Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered that the city government’s ongoing campaign against smoke-belching in the Summer Capital be intensified. Magalong issued, Sept. 20, memorandum no. 133, series of 2024, directing City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) head Rhenan Diwas to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts against smoke-belching vehicles in the city. “Regular inspections and random checkpoints should be conducted throughout the city to ensure compliance,” the memo directed. It also tasked Diwas to coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Environment Management Bureau and other relevant agencies to facilitate necessary vehicle inspections and ensure adherence to existing environmental regulations. The Mayor’s memo cited recent reports regarding Baguio’s air quality which indicates that the Air Quality Index ranges from moderate to unhealthy due to factors such as vehicular emissions and seasonal changes that significantly impact public health.

TEAM NAGA 2025

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

As she confirmed her bid for Mayor in her home city, former Vice President Leni Robredo announced today the candidates selected for Team Naga’s 2025 slate. The line-up is the result of extensive consultations conducted by Robredo, who invited Naga’s residents, organizations, and sectors to field and vet aspiring candidates. “Ang aking mga kasama ngayon, lahat na-evaluate base sa tatlong kategorya: sa ethical standards, sa capacity at experience, sa governance,” Robredo said in Bikol. Outgoing Camarines Sur Rep. Gabby Bordado is the chosen candidate for Vice Mayor. Prior to his stint in Congress, Bordado served as Naga’s Vice Mayor, alongside Robredo’s late husband, Jesse, who led Naga’s model of good governance and people participation. Meanwhile, in accordance with the rankings in the vetting process, the following will be Team Naga’s candidates for the City Council (left to right) Outgoing City Administrator Elmer Baldemoro; Incumbent Councilor Jess Albeus; Incumbent Councilor Gayle Abonal-Gomez; Outgoing City Budget Officer Frank Mendoza; Atty. Areiz Macaraig; Former City Health Officer Dr. Butch Borja; Former Councilor Miles Raquid-Arroyo; Incumbent Councilor Omar Buenafe; Incumbent Councilor Jose Perez; Incumbent Councilor Oying Rosales. A tradition started by her late husband, long-time Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, all aspiring candidates were vetted based on a criteria that included integrity, character, experience, and contribution to people empowerment. Over 2,000 Nagueños participated in this process.

Author name: Street Journal