CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Councilor Andy Gulapa is Nacionalista Party's (NP) official mayoralty candidate in Candaba town.

Gulapa was among the several local officials from various parts of the country inducted by NP president and standard bearer Senator Manny Villar at the NP headquarters in Mandaluyong City last Wednesday.

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The councilor, a well-known architect who served as chairman of the Aldo Ning Kapampangan executive committee last year, is expected to slug it out with incumbent Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo in next year's elections.

Gulapa was personally invited by former Fourth District Representative Rimpy Bondoc, NP's treasurer and Central Luzon chair, to become a member of the political party.

"Dahil may respeto tayo sa mga Bondoc at dahil matagal na rin naman nating kaibigan si Senator Villar, pinaunlakan natin ang imbitasyon ni former congressman Rimpy Bondoc na sumali sa partido nila. Tutal naniniwala naman tayo sa slogan ng partido na 'Ang bayan higit sa lahat'," he said in a statement.

Gulapa said he had already initiated consultation meetings with residents of most of the 33 barangays in the "Poblacion, Kapampangan and Tagalog regions" of Candaba.

He said he has been overwhelmed by warm receptions from villagers who have expressed support for his political plans.

His running mate for the 2010 mayoralty race is businesswoman Eden Gonzales from Barangay Bahay Pare.

Incumbent Vice Mayor Ben Gatus will be the campaign manager of Gulapa's NP team, whose composition will be formally announced to Candabeños in the coming days.