Leyte, an island paradise in the Visayas region, boasts of a rich tapestry beyond its stunning beaches and azure waters. Leyte’s diverse landscape offers something for everyone. Majestic mountains cradle fertile valleys, while geothermal wonders and natural waterfalls paint a picture of raw beauty. It’s home to resourceful people who leverage nature’s bounty without compromising its preservation to showcase the local heritage.
Moreover, this dynamic region played a vital role in Philippine history, particularly in World War II, with many historians considering The Battle of Leyte in October 1944 as the largest naval battle in modern history, ending the Japanese Navy’s capacity to fight as an organized force.
Yet besides the natural wonders and its diverse communities, Leyte is also home to prominent political figures who each contributed to Philippine progress locally and nationally. Joining the ranks of these significant individuals is Leyte Fifth District Representative Carl Cari.
Rep. Cari, born on July 4, 1992, graduated with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Mapua University. However, he had another call that would soon shape his career. The district representative has an enduring connection to the political landscape, as his upbringing contributed to his profound comprehension of political processes and dynamics.
The district representative began his political journey as a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President, later becoming President of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC). Seeing how he could leverage his position in government to continue making a difference for his constituents, Rep. Cari ran for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2019. His success made him one of the youngest proclaimed legislators at only 26.
His efforts in the House of Representatives paid off because he ran unopposed in 2022 for the 19th Congress. Moreover, Rep. Cari’s constituents view him as an active leader who continues to support and empower his community.
Moreover, Rep. Cari also became the Vice Chairperson for the Committees on Appropriations and Basic Education and Culture for the 19th Congress of the House of Representatives.
Pushing his advocacies
As a Leyte resident born and raised, Rep. Cari knows firsthand what areas need improvement and how to make these developments more relatable to the public on a grassroots level. He developed his advocacies based on his observations and feedback from his constituents. The district representative focuses on rural development, tourism, and youth empowerment.
Rep. Cari proves that age shouldn’t keep aspiring leaders from pursuing their calling in making a difference for their community. His advocacies in rural development, tourism, and youth empowerment, among his other initiatives, demonstrate his vision for Leyte’s Fifth District to progress toward modernity.
One of his significant contributions in his district is raising the potential of Baybay City to become the region’s sports hub. It is evident in Rep. Cari’s participation and initiatives in various sporting events throughout the region to foster sportsmanship and camaraderie and unite everyone in mutual respect and greatness.
Furthermore, the district representative extends more socio-economic opportunities for his constituents through government programs while continuously developing the district’s tourism sector to empower the community and put Leyte’s Fifth District on the map.
Aside from his efforts in his respective district, Rep. Cari is also active in his role in the House of Representatives. As of writing, the district representative is the principal author of 312 bills and co-authored 190 more, many of which also benefit the people in his jurisdiction.
Some of his contributions promote primary education, like House Bill 00411, which is an act establishing the Baybay City National High School for sports in Baybay City, and House Bill 00417, which creates a youth financial capability and literacy. He also focused on developing the local economy, like House Bill 00024, which aims to convert and expand the Leyte Industrial Development Estate into the Leyte Ecological Industrial Zone and create the Leyte Ecological Industrial Zone Authority to oversee its developments.
On the other hand, Rep. Cari also supported the progress in various destinations in the Philippines through his authored bills. For instance, House Bill 00227 institutes policies for the protection and welfare of caregivers in practicing their profession. Another example is House Bill 00410, which proposes to establish, recognize, and strengthen the Coconut Research Center for the Visayas.
His focus goes beyond his advocacies, often encouraging holistic growth and empowerment among Filipinos.
The district representative’s dedication to his crucial role in Philippine legislation solidifies his outstanding performance. As one of the youngest lawmakers elected into the position, he serves as a beacon for aspiring young leaders who want to make a difference in their communities.