Talisay’s First Woman Mayor Vows Integrity, Continuity

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Talisay City Mayor Atty. Rowena Lopez Lizares vowed to uphold integrity in local governance and continue the programs and projects of her husband, former Mayor Neil Lizares.

She took her oath as the 25th and first woman elected mayor of Talisay City on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the city public plaza.

The ceremony was administered by Regional Trial Court Judge Therese Blanche A. Bolunia.

Also sworn in were Vice Mayor Gab Villacin and the city’s 10 councilors.

“This is not just about breaking barriers,” Lopez Lizares said.

“This is about ensuring that no one is left behind, that every voice is heard, and that our leadership reflects the strength, resilience and compassion of our people.”

She thanked her supporters for their trust and belief “that women, too, have a rightful place in the highest levels of public service.”

“This victory is not mine alone – it is ours,” she added.

“It is the victory of every mother, daughter, farmer, fisherfolk, tricycle driver, vendor, professional, senior citizen and youth.”

She pledged to govern with compassion, protect natural resources, maintain peace and order, and ensure public service for all.

Lopez Lizares laid out her ASENSO platform based on four pillars:

Integrity:
“I will serve you with integrity, transparency and accountability,” she said.

“Public service is a sacred trust. We will ensure every centavo is spent wisely, every project is monitored, and every action is open to scrutiny.”

Inclusivity:
“This is our city – for women, men, the youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those facing life’s challenges,” she said.

“Everyone deserves a seat at the table—farmers, fisherfolk, small entrepreneurs and professionals alike.”

Sustainability:
“We cannot build the future by destroying the present,” she said, quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson.

“We will invest in green programs, protect watersheds, promote eco-tourism, support organic agriculture and push for waste reduction.”

She said a clean, green and climate-resilient Talisay is not a dream, but a plan they will build together.

Good Governance – Gwapa nga Panghimanwa:
“‘Gwapa’ is not just about appearances but about dignity, order and pride,” she said.

“It means well-maintained roads, lit streets, functional drainage, safe communities and responsive leaders.”

She promised to strive for beautiful governance rooted in discipline, harmony and progress.

“I am not perfect, but I promise to be present,” she said.

“I am not a miracle worker, but I believe in collective action.”

“With your help, we will build a city that is not only livable but lovable—a city where children dream, women lead, elders are respected and workers empowered.”

She called on all Talisaynons to unite and live with integrity, love and hope.

“Let us prove that a city led with heart, courage and faith can become a beacon of Gwapa nga Panghimanwa—beautiful, bold and blessed,” she said.

Former Mayor Neil Lizares cited key accomplishments during his administration.

“Together, we constructed farm-to-market roads not just to move produce, but to connect rural communities to new opportunities,” he said.

He noted the expansion of school buildings and the Scholarship Para sa Masa Program, believing “every young mind is a seed of hope.”

“We supported public schools because education is the ladder out of poverty and every child deserves a fighting chance,” he added.

He said his administration improved health services by building a super health center in underserved barangays to ensure access to basic medical care.

“We provided livelihood programs and strengthened disaster preparedness because resilience means not just bouncing back, but moving forward stronger,” he said.

He added that subsidies for farmers and fisherfolk were increased to recognize their role in food security and the local economy.

Financial assistance for senior citizens was doubled to help meet basic needs.

“We invested in youth and women empowerment, because true progress must include everyone,” Lizares said.

He also championed peace and order through strong community engagement and support for law enforcement.

“We lit more streets, energized remote areas and improved mobility and safety through rural electrification,” he said.

To symbolize the peaceful transition, Lizares turned over the ceremonial key of the city to his wife.