Lucy Torres-Gomez and Richard Gomez have made a name for themselves in the Philippine entertainment industry. They shared their passion for acting and each other throughout their numerous projects, making them a beloved couple.
Eventually, they channeled their devotion to public service, with Torres-Gomez serving as the Mayor of Ormoc City and Gomez as the District Representative of Leyte’s Fourth District. The former was a four-term congresswoman from Leyte’s Fourth District, while the latter served as City Mayor of Ormoc from 2016 to 2022.
Together, they created a progressive view for Ormoc and Leyte to set a benchmark for other local government units by working hand-in-hand and fostering continuity.
As mayor, Torres-Gomez aims to continue the quality of service Gomez left to their constituents during his two terms as the city’s executive. She’s not only stylish, but she is also hands-on when it comes to addressing immediate concerns for her jurisdiction.
One of the utmost priorities of her administration is combatting climate change since Leyte remains at risk for climate emergencies. Under her leadership, the LGU bolstered its disaster preparedness through barangay-level workshops. It also strengthened its environmental protection and conservation efforts by capacitating upland dwellers, forest patrols, and local environment officers with proper training.
Meanwhile, Gomez is pushing similar agendas in the House of Representatives. About a month ago, he proposed House Bill 9124, which seeks to allocate funds to procure, maintain, and use at least one set of machinery known as “earth-balling equipment” per region in road improvement and other developmental projects.
Gomez expressed his opposition to chopping down trees affected by government road projects. Instead, the lawmaker pushes to ensure they get a second chance at a different spot.
House Bill 9124 is only one among the 246 principally authored bills Gomez passed in Congress since he assumed the position.
The lawmaker is also deeply devoted to protecting Leyte’s environment and doesn’t let any harmful deed toward it go unpunished. His other priorities focus on exploring and spearheading projects and programs improving people’s lives in Ormoc City and Leyte’s Fourth District.
Since the couple’s vision for Ormoc and Leyte coincides with each other, they found an efficient approach to implementing new initiatives and technology while inspiring their constituents to participate in the bid for progress.
In 2022, Ormoc became the first LGU to receive a certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for two standards, namely ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 18091:2019, which specify requirements for a quality management system (QMS).
This milestone for Ormoc City speaks volumes about the LGU’s ability to provide the necessary quality services to the public. Ormoc achieved the feat by streamlining its internal processes and improving systems to adopt relevant innovations.
While some may say otherwise about working with their significant other, the Gomezes have proved time and time again that their pairing benefits not only their relationship but also their constituents in Ormoc and Leyte, who rely on their abilities to set the standard for the local government.