CEBU, Philippines - The women of today are undeniably active in politics.
In Cebu, the third district of the Province of Cebu has the most number of women candidates running for congress, provincial board members and mayors.
The third district is composed of the City of Toledo and the towns of Barili, Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Balamban, Asturias and Tuburan.
For Congress, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of One Cebu Party is running against Pinamungajan Mayor Geraldine Yapha of the Liberal Party.
For the PB, Engr. Grecilda Sanchez is the only lady vying for the post out of the four candidates.
In Aloguinsan, incumbent Vice Mayor Cynthia Moreno of One Cebu is running for mayor against Marilou Ripdos.
In Pinamungajan, former PB member Estrella Yapha of Liberal Party is running for mayor in tandem with her granddaughter, incumbent Vice Mayor Maria Honeylette Yapha-Lingad.
In Tuburan, former mayor Rose Marie Suezo is eyeing for the same post with her runningmate, Daphne Lagon, of One Cebu.
In the first district, the only woman candidate is former mayor Lakambini Reluya for mayor of San Fernando under One Cebu.
In the second district, Boljoon Mayor Teresita Celis is running for PB member under One Cebu.
Other women candidates are former vice mayor Verna Magallon for mayor in Alegria; Feliberta Mubarak Obaid for mayor in Boljoon; Flordelis Cabunilas, Ma. Theresa Quijano, and Ma. Liza Toledo for mayor in Ginatilan; Erlinda Piedad for mayor in Malabuyoc; Santander Mayor Marilyn Wenceslao is running again against Ma. Alona Ator and Amelita Mendez.
In the fourth district, Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung is running for mayor in Bogo City while other lady candidates are re-electionist mayors Ma. Luisa Loot in Daanbantayan and Jennifer Ilustrisimo; and Vice Mayor Wilma Zamora for mayor in Tabuelan.
In the fifth district, women candidates for mayor are Kuditah Victoria Inez Cabahug in Compostela, Sonia Pua in Carmen, and Estrella Aribal in Catmon.
In the sixth district, former Rep. Nerissa Soon Ruiz is making a come back for the same post under One Cebu and Mayor Teresa Alegado of Consolacion. —/MBG (FREEMAN)