Mark Go declares bid for Baguio’s Mayoral Seat with “Team Maka-Baguio Tayo”
Incumbent Congressman Mark Go, known as Baguio’s Working Congressman and for his stellar congressional performance, officially filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for Mayor of Baguio in the 2025 Philippine General Elections. Go and his fellow candidates submitted their COCs at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Baguio Office on the morning of October 7, 2024.
Mark Go’s stellar congressional record includes prompt delivery of social services, corruption-free infrastructure projects that have uplifted barangays and schools across the city, and local and national
legislation on education, health, and senior citizens, among many others.
Because of these achievements, Baguio citizens have urged him to run in recognition of a need for a Baguio City Mayor who has an effective and uncompromising public service record. “It was a very tough
decision. But today, I am humbly and prayerfully answering the call of Baguio to serve as your Mayor. Our City deserves a government that puts Baguio and its people first, with zero tolerance for corruption
and true good governance. I will prioritize Baguio and continue to walk the talk. We will do this with the same competence, speed, compassion, and integrity that have defined my years in Congress,” said Mark Go.
Go was joined by his running mate for Vice Mayor, Mylen Yaranon, and his Team Maka-Baguio Tayo Councilors Leandro B. Yangot, Jr., Atty. Elmer Datuin, Engr. Michael Lee Lawana, Jacqueline Dianne “JD”
Balajadia-Tabora, Dr. Esther Litilit, Atty. Edison Bilog, and Michael Humiding. This completes the full Team Maka-Baguio Tayo slate in addition to those that initially filed their candidacies last October 3, 2024. Team Maka-Baguio Tayo is a call to every Baguio citizen to prioritize the interests and needs of Baguio citizens first, promote community-led development, and secure a better quality of life for all.
Incumbent Councilor Mylen Yaranon, running for Vice Mayor, is known for her commitment to transparency, accountability, and achieving a corruption-free government. “I have consistently advocated for public participation in governance, ensuring that every voice matters. I pledge my full support to each and every member of Team Maka-Baguio Tayo. As your next Vice Mayor, we will continue standing up for real good governance where we consult communities and build a true people’
legislative agenda–not the agenda of the mayor or of the few,” Yaranon said.
Incumbent Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr., a dedicated urban planning and housing champion, says, “Our urban planning must prioritize affordable housing for communities. While we seek to further develop our city, our communities must have the ultimate say on how development will unfold as this city is theirs.” Incumbent Councilor Atty. Elmer Orzal Datuin, Chairman of the Committee on Social
Services, Women, and Urban Poor said, “We have achieved so much in social services, but these will only be temporary if we don’t systematically change the way we lead and serve. We need to be Maka-Baguio which prioritizes inclusive and community-led development.
This makes our social services a capacity-building initiative instead of fostering further dependence.” Engr. Michael Lee Lawana was a former President of Liga ng mga Barangay and Councilor. “I will ensure
that all barangays are properly represented and equipped to lead on issues that concern them. When we strengthen our barangays, we strengthen our city. The solutions to Baguio’s challenges must come
from our communities, and Team Maka-Baguio will always ensure that they are meaningfully involved in our City’s development” Lawana said.
He is joined by Team Maka-Baguio Tayo Slatemates Councilor Yangot and Former Councilor Alangsab, who were former presidents of the Liga ng mga Barangay of Baguio. Former Vice Mayor and Councilor Atty. Edison Bilog joins the slate with his proven and extensive track record of competent and corruption-free governance. “We must urgently address Baguio’s declining quality of life by electing competent and corruption-free leaders with a proven track record of delivering speedy and inclusive solutions. Each and every one of the aspiring councilors of Team Maka-Baguio Tayo, as well as our three standard bearers, are exactly this and I invite everyone to join us in being Maka-Baguio,” said Bilog.
JD Balajadia-Tabora, a staunch advocate for youth empowerment said, “Our city has a substantial youth population that is also reeling from the effects of the worsening quality of life in Baguio. While Baguio
remains a top choice in urban development, we must ensure that everyone’s mental health is taken care of–youth, parents, senior citizens, and the marginalized.” Michael Humiding, a small business advocate, said, “We need to make our business permit application process more humane, reasonable, and empowering. This is for all the SMEs and workers of Baguio who continue to be marginalized by the
current oppressive process.” Teacher Esther Litilit is the former principal of Baguio Central School and remains a veteran advocate of Education and Human Development. “While we have had several
achievements in Baguio’s education, teachers need more economic and technological support to sustain Baguio’s leader status in Philippine education. We need to be Maka-Baguio for our teachers.” Litilit said. (PR)
