Born and raised in Bacolod City, incumbent city legislator Cindy Tan Rojas has seen how the city has evolved through the years. As a second-termer councilor, elected No. 1 during the May 2019 elections, her contributions to the economic boom that defined the present leadership made her a household name and a familiar face among the Bacolodnons.
Among the projects that Councilor Cindy delivered to the people of Bacolod, one that stood out is the “Kusina Ni Konsehala”, a nutrition program that addressed the malnutrition problem in the city and helped thousands of young children.
Parallel to this program is her dedication to the efforts of improving the Day Care Centers in the different barangays of the city and the year-round distribution of sports equipment to the youth, providing self-defense training to high school students, and free education, through TESDA, for vocational courses.
Beyond her work as a legislator and city official, Councilor Cindy admits that only a few close friends know the strong woman behind her servant-leader persona. She is married to former Bacolod councilor Roberto “Bobby” Rojas, and they have two sons: Alec, 25, and Anton, 14.
This week, NEGROS WEEKLY features her on our cover story.
Who is Councilor Cindy Tan Rojas?
My parents are Alfonso and Anita Tan, and I was born on November 19, 1976. I have two brothers and two sisters, and completed both grade school and high school at Bacolod Tay Tung High School. I earned my Bachelor of Science Major in Management degree from the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod.
What are your special skills or favorite things to do outside of work?
I love to cook, travel, and do civic work.
What is your most challenging experience?
The first time I joined politics as a neophyte back in 2016 was very challenging.
How do you deal with work-related issues? Controversies?
I am very open-minded. I believe in listening to suggestions and constructive criticisms from colleagues and workmates. I do not dwell on controversies; instead, I focus on positive facts. For me, public opinion responds well to facts.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Whether as a private individual or a public servant, I want to be someone who makes a difference in other people’s lives and improve the world in my own little way. – NWI
