In the vibrant landscape of Philippine politics, few figures embody legacy and innovation as seamlessly as Rep. Maria Angela “Gila” S. Garcia. As the representative of Bataan’s Third District, Rep. Garcia stands at the forefront of a transformative era for her constituents, balancing a rich family legacy with a dynamic vision for the future that inspires hope and progress.
Rep. Garcia’s political journey is a compelling narrative of dedication and progression. Elected to the 19th Congress, she assumed the Third District’s representative role, a significant milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter in Bataan’s governance. Her extensive experience in public service, including her tenure as the Local Chief Executive of the Municipality of Dinalupihan in Bataan, uniquely positions her to address the needs and aspirations of her constituents, whom she deeply values and considers her top priority.
Before her congressional role, Rep. Garcia made significant contributions as the Local Chief Executive of the Municipality of Dinalupihan in Bataan from 2013 to 2022. Her tenure as mayor was marked by a steadfast commitment to community development and effective governance. As President of the Bataan Chapter of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), she played a pivotal role in advocating for the interests of local governments, ensuring that the needs of her constituents were always at the forefront of her work.
Rep. Garcia’s service journey began in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, where she served on the Board of Directors from 2005 to 2010. Simultaneously, she provided administrative consultancy for Bataan, showcasing her versatility and strategic insight. Her early career also saw her leading Gift Gate, Inc. as Vice President, where she honed her business and leadership skills.
Now, her influence in the House of Representatives is far-reaching. She serves as Vice Chairperson on several crucial committees, including Health, Local Government, Trade & Industry, Science & Technology, and Bases Conversion. Rep. Garcia’s role in these committees underscores her commitment to address critical areas of national and regional importance, from health reforms to infrastructure development.
She is also an active member of various other committees such as Agriculture & Food, Appropriations, Information & Communications Technology, Tourism, Public Works, Energy, Nuclear Energy, Sustainable Development Goals, Inter-parliamentary Relations, and the West Philippine Sea. This extensive involvement reflects her multifaceted expertise and dedication to foster holistic growth and development.
During the 19th Congress, Rep. Garcia has emerged as a significant legislative force, championing key bills that reflect her commitment to community development and sustainable growth.
As of writing, Rep. Garcia has principally authored 234 bills and co-authored 13 others. Some of her notable legislations include House Bill 8001 or An Act Strengthening Further the Powers and Functions of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, and House Bill 6557, or “An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, the Technical Working Group (TWG) of which was chaired by Rep. Garcia. She likewise chaired the TWG of the bills on the Philippine Bicycle Act, which is now for approval by the joint committees on Transportation and Sustainable Development Goals.
Rep. Garcia’s educational background provides a strong foundation for her public service career. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines-Diliman and completed her secondary education at St. Scholastica’s College. This academic background, combined with her practical experience, has equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of public governance.
As Rep. Gila Garcia navigates her pioneering role in the Third District of Bataan, her vision for the future is growth, innovation, and community empowerment. Her multifaceted approach to legislation and governance promises a bright future for her district, reflecting her commitment to her constituents and her ability to leverage her extensive experience for meaningful impact, inspiring and motivating others to contribute to community empowerment.
One of her priorities as a public leader is championing the agriculture industry in Bataan, especially in her respective district, through the 1Bataan Farms project—a visionary endeavor to revolutionize agriculture through sustainability and technological innovation.
The 1Bataan Farms project, launched in 2020 during Rep. Garcia’s tenure as the Mayor of Dinalupihan, represents a bold step toward transforming the only landlocked town in Bataan into a model “agropolis” in Central Luzon. The initiative, driven by Garcia’s ambition, in collaboration with her brother, then Bataan Governor Albert Garcia, aims to break the cycle of debt that plagues many Filipino farmers, offering a hopeful and optimistic future for agriculture in Bataan.
At the core of the 1Bataan Farms project is adopting Precision Farming techniques, notably drip fertigation. This advanced method, inspired by Israeli Smart Agriculture Technology, has proven to be a game-changer. The technique has nearly tripled the harvest of key crops such as tomatoes, eggplants, and chili peppers by integrating precise water and nutrient delivery systems, thereby significantly increasing the income of local farmers.
Rep. Garcia’s leadership stands out as a beacon of progress and dedication in a rapidly evolving political landscape. She is driving forward the legacy of service and excellence that her family has long championed.
