INCLUSIVE and diverse is what City of San Fernando mayoral candidate Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin of Aksyon Demokratiko had in mind in putting together his Team Lugud.
“My goal is no one, no sector gets left behind. We need new blood in our city council – to revisit and update laws to keep up with changes and developments in our city, the country and the world. Team Lugud Fernandino is my answer to this need,” Lazatin said in a statement.
The team’s vice mayoral candidate, former councilor Noel Tulabut, said his focus is on “investing in our children by investing in education.”
Team Lugud Fernandino supports seven candidates for city councilors. The City of San Fernando votes for a total of 10 councilors. The city has about 165 thousand registered voters.
Advocates on Lazatin’s Team
Lazatin believes Alice Dumlao, a proud member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community, can help address other needs of LGBTQ community. Dumlao is also an advocate for a healthier CSFP.
“Hindi na simpleng tatay, nanay at anak. May single parent, solo parent gaya ng lolo o lola at apo, LGBTQ at anak, pare-pareho silang pamilya,” Lazatin said.
Second-term Councilor Tina Lagman seeks to answer the needs of families. “Sisikapin kong mas tugunan pa ang needs ng iba’t ibang pamilyang Fernandino, lalo na’t galing tayo sa pandemya. PWD, Kababaihan, ang mga Seniors natin kailangan mas ayusin ang serbisyo at ayuda.”
Other councilors included in the Team Tune Lugud slate are Reggie “G4” David, Businessman Engrineer Ray Pekson, Business owner Perico Quiwa, Broadcaster John Susi, and incumbent Barangay Captain Angel “Puti” Wijanco.
Professionals, entrepreneurs of Team Lugud Fernandino
Convincing private professionals and successful businessmen to join Team Lugud Fernandino was a challenge at first for mayoral front runner Jimmy Lazatin who chose his councilors based on their love to help and capacity to give good public service.
“Who wants to enter politics if one is already successful in his or her own right? But the love for our city and a heart for public service, this is the game-changer,” Lazatin said.
Reggie “G4” David believes support should be given to businesses and micro entrepreneurs especially after a crippling pandemic. “Kailangan ng local na pamahalaan na tulungan ang mga negosyo, maliit man o malaki, ito ang bubuhay sa ekonomiya natin.”
Businessman and Engineer Ray Pekson said he is keen on creating jobs and business opportunities for Fernandinos.
Pekson said the Lazatin team priority is, “Kasali ang lahat. An employed Fernandino is a productive Fernandino. I also want transparency and accountability when elected to office.”
As a councilor, business owner Perico Quiwa believes being “open-minded and listening to people” helps in his job in the City Council.
“We need to revisit laws to make it more relevant and in tune with the needs of PWD (persons with disabilities), the youth, businesses, etc.,” he said.
Broadcaster and Public Servant and Councilor John Susi earned the trust and confidence of his followers in his 30-year stint not only as a councilor but as a media person. His ability to connect with the public keeps him in tune with the needs of the people. He champions our city’s tourism, showing off the city’s beautiful and colorful history.
Adding his political experience at the grassroots level in the City Council, incumbent Barangay Captain Angel “Puti” Wijanco believes his track record and his advocacy for good governance speak for themselves.
Lazatin eyes a landslide win for his team, despite hindrances and uphill battles with fake news and paid trolls.
“Unfortunately, that is part of campaigning now ... but we are not worried, “Fernandinos know. Our track record speaks for itself,” he said.
Lazatin said, “we were careful with drawing too big a crowd during our motorcade so as not to disrupt traffic. I also want us to go directly to the people, for the team to experience the extent of work that still needs to be done when we take over the leadership of the city in July 2022.”
Composed of a diverse and inclusive set of new public servants, Lazatin’s team already helps Fernandinos in their private capacity and vows to do more when elected into office. Daily walkabout visits to 35 barangays of the City of San Fernando are planned throughout the official campaign period. (PR)