Twenty-three out of 35 candidates running for councilor, vice mayor, and mayoral positions in La Trinidad shared their platforms and plans for the municipality during the “Saludsod ti Umili: A Candidates’ Forum for La Trinidad” on April 11 at the San Jose School gymnasium.
The event aimed to help voters get to know the candidates better in preparation for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections scheduled for May 12.
The candidates introduced their platforms and answered questions regarding politics, economy, safety and security, environment, culture, and health and wellness.
Some of the questions include matters of vote buying, vegetable smuggling, traffic, fake news, bodies of water and remaining forests, forest fire, commercialization of Igorot culture, vaping, and gender responsiveness.
Waste problems, regional autonomy, medical assistance for indigent citizens, and youth development were also tackled.
The candidates shared their thoughts on the issues and possible solutions they would implement if they are in position.
Notable answers include the strict enforcement of existing ordinances and the drafting of new ones when necessary. The candidates also emphasized the need to educate both residents and tourists on preserving and protecting the local environment and culture.
Cristy Serrano, a voter from La Trinidad, shared that the forum gave her the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and assess who among them appeared sincere and capable of leading.
“Makitan tu nu agpayso metlang ti inbagbaga da (We’ll see if what they said are true),” she added.
Rafael Labutan, a student who also attended the event, said it was generally beneficial as it allowed them to learn about the candidates’ platforms and plans for the municipality.
A total of 19 candidates for councilor, one candidate for vice mayor, and three mayoral aspirants attended.
The forum was streamed live on the Philippine Information Agency–Benguet’s Facebook page and is available for replay for those who are interested.
Meanwhile, a separate forum for provincial candidates is scheduled to take place on April 24 and 25 at the Benguet State University. By Blessah Joy Manuel
