All systems go for Vergara campaign
In Photo: Baguio Tourism Council board meeting held at Venus Parkview Hotel for Christmas in Baguio. (BTC File Photos)
As the 2025 local elections draw near, all systems go for Baguio’s lone congressional seat, with candidacies now officially filed.
Pre-poll survey favorite Gladys Vergara is taking no chances. She has already convened strategic meetings with her think tank core group to map out pre-campaign activities leading up to the Yuletide break.
Pundits are now forecasting an electoral face-off between Gladys, current chair of the Baguio Tourism Council, and Soledad Go, wife of incumbent Rep. Marquez Go, for the highly coveted congressional seat.
The eldest daughter of 12-year Rep. Bernardo Vergara, Gladys officially filed her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) last October 7, kicking off her pre-campaign with a vibrant launch attended by around 200 supporters from various barangays across Baguio.
“It may be a tough grind,” she remarked, “but we’re ready for the long haul,” noting that the formal 45-day campaign period will begin in March 2025.
Although the midterm national and local elections are scheduled for May 2025, there is a five-month lead-up from the COC filing to election day, encompassing the Christmas 2024 holidays and the 2025 Holy Week.
In the weeks ahead, Gladys plans to hold further strategic gatherings to finalize a “work and business schedule” in preparation for the festive season.
As tourism council chief, Gladys is calling on Baguio’s 126 barangays to intensify their beautification efforts and outdoor preparations for Christmas. They will compete in the “Bituin ng Pasko: Inter-Barangay Holiday Décor Contest,” showcasing holiday-themed displays. Additionally, a European-themed Christmas market village will be set up at the park, offering specialty Yuletide items. The “Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2024” will serve as the city’s major attraction, drawing tourists and visitors to celebrate the holidays in Baguio.
During her COC filing, Gladys was accompanied by her father, the esteemed former Congressman Bernardo Vergara, who proudly witnessed his daughter “follow in his footsteps in serving the people.” She was also accompanied by renowned musical artist, Glenn Gaerlan who also filed his candidacy for City Councilor.
Gladys humbly acknowledged that much of who she is today—an accomplished leader, successful entrepreneur, clean energy advocate, and environmentalist—she owes to her father, Engr. Bernie Vergara.
Her leadership skills were developed early, as she led various youth groups and steadily rose to become a city councilor, and later, by succession, Vice Mayor.
Gladys is academically equipped to represent the people in Congress. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Accounting, graduating Cum Laude from Saint Louis University, and pursued further studies in Business Management at Maryknoll and Bachelor of Laws at SLU.
In summary, Gladys is well-prepared to take on the intricate responsibilities of a Congresswoman. She embodies integrity, competence, and a deep compassion for the underprivileged, with a genuine commitment to make a difference. (PR)
