Talisay mayor tops Q3 performance survey in Negros Occidental

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Talisay City Mayor Atty. Maria Rowena Guadalupe Lopez-Lizares has been named the Top Performing City Mayor in Negros Occidental for the third quarter of 2025, based on a survey by Transparency, Good Governance, and Accountability Advocates (PULSO NG BAYAN).

Lizares, the first woman elected mayor of Talisay and now on her first term, earned a 192.80% performance rating, tying with La Castellana Mayor Añejo Nicor, who led the municipal category.

The PULSO NG BAYAN Survey, conducted in partnership with Visayas Social Pulse, polled 4,000 adult respondents from October 1 to 15, 2025, with a ±3% margin of error and a 95% confidence level, excluding Bacolod City from its coverage.

The rankings were based on public trust, satisfaction, and confidence in local leaders’ performance across key governance indicators.

The assessment included the following criteria: service delivery in health, education, infrastructure, and public safety; sound financial management in budgeting, revenue, and spending; economic development initiatives that promote growth and local investment; leadership marked by transparency and accountability; social and environmental efforts; and citizen engagement and innovation.

The evaluation also applied five governance principles: transparency, accountability, participation, responsiveness, and effectiveness.

Survey organizers said the recognition of high-performing leaders like Mayor Lizares aims to encourage evidence-based, transparent, and people-centered governance in the province.

Mayor Lizares said the recognition is a shared accomplishment with her constituents.

“This recognition belongs to the people of Talisay,” she said.

“It reflects our shared commitment to good governance, transparency, and genuine public service. We still have much to do, and this inspires us to work even harder for a more progressive and inclusive city.”

As city mayor, Lizares oversees the implementation of ordinances and development programs, leads the efficient delivery of services, and spearheads efforts to boost local revenue and attract investment.

She succeeded her husband, former Mayor Neil Lizares, who completed three terms as Talisay’s chief executive.