• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Rowena Lizares, the first female mayor of Talisay City, Negros Occidental, has promised to serve Talisaynons with integrity, transparency and accountability as she assumed office on June 30.
Stressing that public service is a sacred trust, Lizares said “we will make sure that every centavo is spent wisely, that every project is monitored, and that all actions are open to scrutiny”.
Lizares took her oath of office on Monday at the Talisay City public plaza before Judge Therese Blance Bolunia, who also administered the oathtaking of Vice Mayor Angel Gabriel Villacin and the 10 elected councilors, in the presence of Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez.
“You have known me as a woman, a mother, a non-government organization worker, and a lawyer. In this role, I will do my best to govern with compassion and genuine concern for everyone – to protect our natural resources, to stand firm in preserving our peace and security, and to ensure order in our community,” she said in her inaugural speech.
Having been elected as the city’s first woman chief executive “is not just about breaking barriers. This is about ensuring that no one is left behind, that every voice is heard, and that our leadership reflects the strength, resilience, and compassion of our people,” she added.
Lizares said that she will also listen to the concerns, not only of women, but also the youth, elderly, persons with abilities and capacities, and even those facing life’s challenges.
“We will make sure that everyone, regardless of status, gender, or belief, has a seat at the table. Leadership must serve everyone – not just a few – but also farmers, fisherfolk, small entrepreneurs, and professionals,” she said.
Lizares said that her administration will invest in green programs to protect watersheds, promote eco-friendly tourism, support organic agriculture, and push for waste reduction.
“A clean, green, and climate-resilient City of Talisay is not a dream – it is a plan we will build together,” the mayor said.
Lizares added: “The Good Governance (Gwapa nga Panghimanwa) of Talisay City is not just about beauty in appearance, but also about dignity, order, with well-maintained roads, well-lit streets, functioning drainage systems, peaceful and healthy communities, and responsive leaders”.
“I am not perfect, but I promise to be present. I am not a miracle worker, but I believe in collective action. With your help, we can build a city that is not only livable – but lovable. A city where our children can dream, where women can lead, where our elderly are respected, and where our workers are empowered,” she added. | GB
