The Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) hosted a dynamic press conference featuring five key political candidates vying for various posts in Tarlac for the upcoming midterm elections with the Pampanga Press Club at Best Western Plus Metro Clark. The event highlighted the candidates’ plans for development, with me asking particular focus on tourism. Here’s a closer look at their proposals and visions for their respective constituencies:
Vice Mayor Bong Nathaniel Tan: Running for Mayor of Sta. Ignacia
Incumbent Vice Mayor Bong Nathaniel Tan aims to continue the transformative work of the current administration, which elevated Sta. Ignacia from a second-class municipality to one poised for further growth. During the meet and greet at Best Western Plus Metro Clark, I asked the good vice mayor about the tourism potentials in his municipality.
He mentioned Pikkan Falls, a potential poster destination however dries up up during the summer. On the heritage side of things, he mentioned having their own “Kabyaw”, a clear indication of the existing sugar cane industry. Sta. Ignacia also boasts its version of the lovely “patupat” delicacy and the sweet potato treat he called “Engkalte” – first time I heard about. Mentioned a few, but certainly tickled my interest as a lover of emerging destinations. During the 2022 elections, he garnered a landslide win of 92% votes.
Incumbent Mayor Estelita Aquino: Running for Vice Governor
After serving six successful terms as Mayor of Moncada, Mayor Estelita Aquino has set her sights on the Vice Governor position. During the meet and greet with the Pampanga Press Club, she promises to support tourism programs across the province by ensuring a unified approach in prioritizing projects. Although she did not discuss tourism in depth, her collaborative stance bodes well for elevating Tarlac’s tourism offerings. Mayor Aquino had a double-fold win last 2022 Elections,
Incumbent Governor Susan Yap: Running for Mayor of Tarlac City
Governor Susan Yap outlined her forward-thinking vision for Tarlac City, emphasizing economic development and sustainability. When asked about tourism, she plans to promote the western areas of Tarlac, including Mayantoc and San Clemente, as cultural and historical hubs. Collaborating with Indigenous communities to showcase their heritage, she envisions eco-tourism initiatives that complement the city’s agricultural strengths. Yap also expressed interest in exploring more of the historic Japanese tunnels in Bamban, which have untapped potential as historical landmarks and its planned development postponed by the Bamban POGO issue.
Governor Yap also underscored the need for health care reforms, a “womb-to-tomb” service philosophy, and programs to empower citizens economically. By steering people toward self-sustainability, she hopes to shift away from reliance on government dole-outs.
Mr. Robert Ace B. Manalang: Running for Vice Mayor of Tarlac City
Son of former Tarlac Mayor Ace Manalang (a good friend of the Pampanga Press Club), Robert Ace B. Manalang is aligned with Susan Yap’s team as her running mate in the provincial capital. He highlighted the need to upgrade Tarlac City’s public market, transforming it into a strategic hub for residents to be proud of. By improving infrastructure, he believes tourism and economic activity in the city could flourish hand-in-hand.
Mayor Venus Jordan: Running for Third Term as Mayor of La Paz
Mayor Venus Jordan shared his vision of turning La Paz into a model municipality. His ambitious plans include addressing road issues caused by heavy trucks, establishing an efficient traffic system, and preventing road deterioration. Tourism plans include developing a water impounding system that has the potential to double as an eco-tourism destination and may feature a floating restaurant. Jordan’s administration has already transformed La Paz into a first-class municipality, thanks to strategic investor relations and agricultural advancements.
POV: Tarlac’s Tourism and Beyond
These candidates offer promising plans for tourism, but their success hinges on political will, effective partnerships, strategic execution and sustained investment. For example, La Paz’s ambitious eco-tourism projects are exciting but would require substantial funding and collaboration with private stakeholders. If these candidates deliver on their plans and maintained political synergy, Tarlac could position itself as another premier travel destination in Central Luzon region, balancing its rich agricultural heritage, ongoing development of its western hinterlands, with modern yet strategic attractions. However, maintaining this trajectory will require prioritizing infrastructure, fostering local talent, and ensuring that tourism value chain benefits reach grassroots communities.