MAASIN CITY – The CM College of Law and the Commission on Elections held a forum at the College of Maasin Alumni Gym entitled, “Piniliay sa Maasin 2025: A Voter’s Education Program,” which gathered local candidates for the upcoming midterm elections in May 2025. The candidates presented their platforms and plans to the public. Candidates from Team Love Nato Ang Maasin, Team Maza, and independent candidate Atty. Gerry Dator participated in the forum.
Mayoral candidate, Gerry Dator, running independent, graduated from San Beda University with a Law degree in 1981 and has previously served as Mayor. He emphasized Maasin’s resilience and its potential for economic growth through sustainable development. His focus includes revitalizing the abaca industry and improving marine resource management. The key points of his narrative- the city must invest in training and skills development, and prioritizegood governance and support city employees to ensure sustainable progress.
Team LMEA – Love Nato Ang Maasin candidate for Mayor, Congresswoman Luz Mercado, was unable to attend due to reported pressing congressional duties. In a statement, she expressed her apology for missing the forum, and emphasized her commitment to balancing her responsibilities while pursuing local leadership.
Team MAZA candidate for Mayor, Maloney Samaco, a registered civil engineer and educator, has served multiple terms as Vice Mayor and Mayor. His priorities include economic development, price regulation for essential goods, medical assistance expansion, and increased educational opportunities. Key points he mentioned were – regulating food prices and reducing middlemen in trade, expanding the City Health Unit’s medical supply to benefit indigents, and increasing scholarship funding for deserving students.
LMEA candidate for Vice Mayor Effie Abiera is a long-serving public officialHer platform focuses on the Maasin City Special Economic Zone, agricultural education incentives, and farmer and fisherfolk subsidies. The key points she expressed were – developing a 20-hectare eco-zone to attract investors and create jobs, offering scholarships to boost interest in agriculture, and establishing continuous support programs for farmers and fisherfolk.
Meanwhile, Team MAZA candidate for Vice Mayor, Zaldy Olita advocates for revitalizing the abaca industry and implementing price regulation strategies for basic commodities. His key points for development – supporting abaca farmers through government-funded rehabilitation programs, establishing a Kadiwa Center to allow direct trade between farmers and consumers, and creating a price monitoring council
Candidates for Councilor: TY Duarte of Team Maza, a registered nurse, aims to improve public health services, particularly mental health awareness and crisis intervention programs. His key points are – establishing a Mental Health Crisis Team for quick response.
Romy Geniston of Team LMEA, a lawyer and CPA, advocates for employment generation through a multi-sectoral economic council. Key points – forming a multi-sectoral body to coordinate economic development strategies. Mikee Mercado of Team LMEA is a proponent of digital innovation who aims to enhance Maasin’s technological infrastructure. Key points – developing a digital sensitivity program for barangay-level tech education, and improving disaster risk management using digital tools. And Jigjig Paler of Team LMEA lawyer, and two-term City Councilor, holds a Political Science degree from the University of the Philippines and a Law degree from The College of Maasin. Paler is committed to strengthening local legislation and leadership training. Key points – advocates for “Capacitating Barangay Leaders in Drafting Ordinances” to equip future local officials, supports ongoing training for Barangay Councilors to improve policymaking, plans to expand livelihood and social service training.
Antonio Along Resos of Team MAZA worked at DPWH for five years and the Bureau of Customs. He also served as a division head at the Port of Cebu. Resos aims to promote government transparency, livelihood opportunities, and economic investments. Key points – good governance, livelihood, industry, and investment, fishing ordinance to ease permit requirements for small-scale fishers. (Jeraiah Hilot, Elgia Jorta/The College of Maasin)
