Pampanga mayoral polls marked by some 'firsts'

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The May 9, 2022 mayoral elections in Pampanga will be remembered for "firsts" in the province's poll history, starting with a mandate given by Masantoleños to mayor-elect Jose Antonio “Ton Ton” Bustos, one of the youngest local chief executives to be at 21, in the country.

Bustos, a BS Economics graduate from De La Salle University and the son of Patrol Party-List Representative Congressman Jorge “Patrol” Bustos, defeated Homer Guintu 17,869 versus 16,824.

Putting his experience as past national chairperson of Patrol Youth--an organization that fosters the active participation of youth in public safety advocacy and national development and his leadership in various sociocivic organizations in his years as a student, Bustos vowed to pursue the long-awaited transformation of Masantol town from being a floodprone and underdeveloped municipality to a progressive local government unit and a beacon of inspiration for every Masantoleno household. Currently, Bustos serves as a light of renewed aspirations and faith in the government that will illuminate the Town of Masantol towards a redefined and fortified future.

Over in the City of San Fernando, incumbent Association of Barangay Captains and ex-officio Councilor Vilma Caluag made history as she, in her second attempt at the mayoralty post, becomes the first lady mayor of the capital city after finishing ahead of opponents Third District Board Member Rosve Henson, incumbent Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin , former mayor Oscar Rodriguez and independent candidate Sandy Quiwa.

The younger Gonzales also made her commitment to supporting pandemic resiliency programs of the current administration, adding that more than the coming elections, the pandemic is the most pressing challenge for public officials.