Lawyer, businesswoman and community service advocate Rowena “Weng” Lopez Lizares filed her certificate of candidacy for mayor of Talisay City before the Commission on Elections on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Her husband, Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares, is on his third term and is not up for reelection.
Lizares filed her COC along with her Partido Kusog Talisaynon partymates.
Her runningmate is Talisay Vice Mayor Nicolai Jalandoni III.
Candidates for councilor under her ticket are Kenn Thomas Tirthdas Gorgonio Treyes, Emmanuel Ebro, Erlou Penado, Wolfgang Tuvilla, Joemarie Estelloso, Wayne Faisan, Mercedez Ereñeta, Martin Lizares and Wilfred Malan.
Rep. Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod Partylist) and Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, who is running for representative of the 3rd District of Negros Occidental, endorsed the candidacies of Lizares and her partymates.
”My decision to run is not simply about continuing our present mayor’s legacy. It is about building on the foundation that had been laid, while bringing my own vision and fresh perspectives of creating a city that is more inclusive, progressive, innovative and resilient,” Lizares said.
She said her platform will focus on:
*Inclusive development to ensure that every citizen, regardless of background, benefits from the city’s growth;
*Strengthening social services by expanding our healthcare, education and social safety nets to ensure that no one is left behind;
*Economic opportunities by supporting small businesses, attracting new investments and creating jobs that provide sustainable livelihoods for our people; and
*Transparent governance by ensuring the government operations are open, transparent and accountable to people.
Her family is also donating one hectare to serve as the site of a hospital for Talisay, she said.*