As the newly installed mayor of Tacloban City, Cristina Gonzalez-Romualdez is perfectly aware that it’s no easy task.
“Oh yes!” she says. “There are so many works to do especially that the province is still on its way to recovery after the Yolanda tragedy two years ago. It’s a gargantuan job actually. The good thing is, I’m blessed to have a husband (former Mayor Alfred Romualdez) who served the post for nine years. He can give me advice on a lot of aspects. I know that he will always be there to guide me in each step of the way.
“In a way, it also helps that I’ve been a councilor myself for nine years. It served as a very good training ground for me. At least, I already have a vast experience as councilor before I assumed the mayoralty post. It’s like I have core foundation already.”
Interestingly, many like to know what her main projects are.
“Actually, my foremost goal to give permanent shelter to the 16,000 families who were left homeless because of the wrath of Yolanda. It’s still a long way to go as only 1,000 of them have already been moved to permanent houses at this point. I vow to move the remaining families not only to permanent shelters but to safe areas, those that are out of the danger zone.
“Also included in my priorities are nutrition programs, scholarships for poor but deserving students, more typhoon-resilient establishments, development of beaches, improved hospitals, preservation of the ecology and natural resources, involvement of the youth in sports and performing arts like the Sangyaw Festival, and sustainable peace. I’m also glad that my CLEP (Cristina’s Livelihood and Earn Program) which I launched when I was still a Councilor is still doing well. All of these are geared towards making Tacloban a model city.”
Many want to know if she really intended to run for mayor because Alfred’s term was ending.
“No! This is something which I didn’t dream of joining. Perhaps, it’s the will of God. Now, I accept it fully. In my journey towards this new phase in my life, I would like to thank my family for their support, especially my husband. He has served Tacloban City for nine years and did a great job. Now, it’s my turn to support him as he will go back to his private life. As for me, I just want to prove to all and sundry that I’m not just a pretty wife or a beautiful display. Now that I’m mayor, action is needed and that’s what I intend to do!”
This early, some are asking if she would also like to finish three terms as mayor just like her husband.
“Honestly, I can’t comment on that yet. Let’s see. It will depend on my performance. At this point, I’m just focusing on my first three years. I want to see Tacloban continue moving forward after the tragedy brought about by typhoon Yolanda.”
Does this development mean she can’t stage a showbiz comeback?
“Maybe TV guesting will do. But if you mean doing a regular soap opera, that’s impossible. My priority now is my being the mother of Tacloban,” states Cristina.
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Jennylyn Mercado finally puts an end to all speculations when she recently renewed her contract with GMA-7.
“I remain as a Kapuso, folks. Honestly, never has it crossed my mind to switch network. I’ve always been a Kapuso and I’m very comfortable here. Every project I do with them, I don’t consider as work. From my bosses, co-stars and director down to the staff and utility group, we treat one another as part of one, big, happy family. GMA is my comfort zone so why will I leave?” she avers.
With her renewal with the management, GMA bestowed on her the title: The Ultimate Star.
“Of course, I’m both thankful and grateful, though I’m not comfortable with titles. But of course, I’m grateful to the management for giving me such moniker. It’s so humbling. I’m also aware that with the title comes huge responsibility. I have to meet the expectations of the public. This serves as an inspiration for me to always strive harder in improving my craft!”
It was reported that she might star opposite Alden Richards in the local version of the hit Koreanovela My Love from Another Star.
“I haven’t received any official word yet, but if it will be offered to me, I will accept it definitely,” ends Jen.
