GLADYS VERGARA FILES CANDIDACY FOR BAGUIO’S LONE CONGRESSIONAL SEAT, JOINED BY COUNCIL ASPIRANT GLENN GAERLAN

BAGUIO CITY, October 7, 2024 — Gladys Vergara, daughter of retired Congressman Bernie Vergara, officially filed her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on Monday, October 7, 2024, for the city’s lone congressional seat. Vergara, a long-standing public servant with deep roots in Baguio's civic and political landscape, was accompanied by accomplished musician and educator Glenn Gaerlan, who also filed his candidacy for City Councilor on the same day.

Vergara began her journey in public service as the Kabataang Barangay (KB) chair of Upper QM and quickly rose through the ranks to become the KB City Federation president, giving her a platform to represent the youth in the Baguio City Council. Her leadership extended beyond the city as she held regional roles in youth advocacy and local governance, eventually serving as an elected City Councilor and Vice Mayor of Baguio City through succession.

A well-known advocate of tourism and sustainable development, Vergara currently serves as the Chair of the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), where she spearheaded initiatives that revived the city’s tourism sector during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work at the BTC has earned her recognition as a dynamic leader, especially in projects focused on economic recovery and environmental sustainability.

Joining her in filing his COC is Glenn Gaerlan, a seasoned musical artist and teacher, recognized for his contributions to the local arts and education sectors. Gaerlan's candidacy for City Councilor signals his commitment to nurturing Baguio's cultural heritage and supporting the city’s creative economy, which has gained prominence as a UNESCO Creative City.

Both Vergara and Gaerlan are poised to bring their respective expertise in governance, tourism, and the arts to Baguio’s leadership, aiming to foster inclusive progress and preserve the city’s rich cultural legacy.