CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Businesswoman Vilma Calauag is optimistic that her decision in joining the local political arena is a divine intervention, citing the support of two former mayors on her mayoralty bid.
“I believe my decision to run in the mayoralty race come the 2019 polls is divine intervention. Imagine former mayors Oscar Rodriguez and Dr. Rey Aquino expressing their support for my candidacy, ” Caluag told members of the Pampanga Press Club during the October edition of Talk Widus, a regular monthly forum being hosted by Widus Hotel and Casino.
Currently president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in this city, Calauag said she will work for the improvement of basic social services by different agencies which she described as inadequate for the people of San Fernando.
“With the growing population in our city, I can only say that the present administration’s services are not enough to cover the 34 barangays’ needs in terms of health, education, disaster mitigation and many more,” Caluag explained.
Once given the chance, Caluag said her priorities include solving traffic problem, flooding by empowering community leaders through knowledge sharing. “We’re going to tap experts to help us on these issues.”
Caluag, 45, owner of St. Nicholas College, Mother Teresa of Calcutta Medical Center and King’s Royale Hotel, will run as independent candidate against incumbent mayor Edwin Santiago (Kambilan).
The mayoralty hopeful and brgy Dolores chairman, has yet to pick the date to file her certificate of candidacy.
Bgy Dolores is the city business district where almost all of the banks and other financial institutions and other big businesses are situated.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will be accepting certificates of candidacy starting Oct 11.
Caluag said the garbage problem and real property tax will be given due concern by her administration should she win the election.
She said free burial and funeral services are also part of her programs.