By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – With incumbent Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares now on the final stretch of his third term, his wife, Atty. Rowena “Weng” Lopez Lizares, has announced her candidacy for mayor in the 2025 elections, aiming to continue her husband’s legacy.
Atty. Rowena filed her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for the mayoral position on Wednesday afternoon.
She will run alongside incumbent Vice Mayor Nicolai Jalandoni, who is seeking re-election in next year’s elections.
Accompanying them were their candidates for the 10 seats on the city council, as well as Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano.
Rowena told reporters that her decision to run is not solely about continuing her husband’s legacy, but also about building on the foundation he laid, while introducing her own vision.
She emphasized a future where Talisay City will be more inclusive, progressive, innovative, and resilient.
Paduano, who led sectors and organizations in the city, expressed full support for Rowena, Jalandoni, and their slate, with the majority of the councilors running for re-election.
If elected, Rowena would become the first female mayor of Talisay City.
“I am running because I believe the city deserves a leader who understands its strengths and challenges, a leader who listens to the people and is ready to take bold steps toward lasting solutions that uplift every family in the city,” Rowena said.
Recently, the Lizares couple took their oaths as members of the Lakas-CMD party, while Jalandoni and five councilors are members of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, the political party of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
Rowena further outlined her platform, focusing on inclusive development to ensure that all residents, regardless of background, benefit from the city’s growth.
She also plans to strengthen social services by expanding healthcare, education, and social safety nets to ensure no one is left behind.
Her economic goals include supporting small businesses, attracting new investments, and creating sustainable jobs for Talisaynons. Additionally, she promised transparent governance by ensuring government operations are open, transparent, and accountable to the people.
The Lizares-Jalandoni tandem will be challenged by former Vice Mayor Samuel Siote and incumbent Councilor Gab Villacin, who are vying for the positions of mayor and vice mayor, respectively.
Siote and Villacin, along with their slate, are expected to file their COCs on October 5, 2024.
