BAGUIO CITY — It was a poignant moment during the kick-off rally of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), as former Baguio City Mayor and Congressman Bernie Vergara stood before a crowd of supporters, not as a politician—but as a proud father.
With his voice steady but his emotions evident, the elder Vergara formally endorsed the congressional candidacy of his daughter, Gladys Vergara, who is running to represent Baguio City’s lone district in the House of Representatives.
“She is ready,” he declared. “She has been with me every step of the way—for 24 years in public service. She knows the weight of this job. She’s not just stepping into politics—she’s been living it, learning it, and preparing for this moment her entire life.”
Bernie’s speech wasn’t just a political endorsement. It was a father’s heartfelt appeal to the people he once served, asking them to entrust his daughter with the same trust and confidence they had given him. “Gladys will continue what we started, and she will bring fresh energy, new ideas, and the same heart that guided me. Like father, like daughter—she is more than capable.”
Gladys Vergara, who has long stood beside her father as both a silent worker and vocal advocate, stepped forward with grace and clarity. In her speech, she shared not only her platform but her personal commitment to Baguio—her home, her community, and her calling.
A Platform Rooted in Action and Compassion
Gladys outlined a bold yet grounded vision for the city, anchored on programs that reflect both innovation and compassion. Among her key priorities are:
- Sustainable Tourism Programs that preserve Baguio’s culture and natural beauty while generating income for local residents.
- A Comprehensive Land Audit to ensure transparency and proper land use, protecting both public spaces and ancestral lands.
- Push for Renewable Energy to move the city toward cleaner, greener energy solutions for future generations.
- Livelihood Hubs in Every Barangay to provide accessible skills training, small business support, and job opportunities for all.
- Segregation and Clear Jurisdiction of the 13 Barangays Surrounding Camp John Hay, finally addressing long-standing issues in the area.
- Subsidies and Support for Jeepney Drivers to help modernize transport while protecting the livelihoods of hardworking drivers.
Gladys emphasized that her campaign is not about making promises, but continuing a legacy of service built on dedication, experience, and love for Baguio.
“Glad to Serve You, Baguio City”
Her campaign slogan says it all—“Glad to serve you, Baguio City.” More than a play on her name, it’s a sincere message from someone who has grown up immersed in public service, now stepping up in her own right.
“I’m not new to this,” Gladys told the crowd. “For 24 years, I’ve stood behind my father, watching, learning, and working. I know the needs of our city, and I carry with me the stories of our people. This is not just a campaign—it’s a continuation of a life devoted to Baguio.”
The crowd responded with warm cheers, some visibly moved by the emotional father-daughter moment. What began as a political rally turned into a powerful reminder of how legacies are passed, not through words alone, but through years of service, sacrifice, and shared vision.
With her father’s blessing and the people’s trust, Gladys Vergara hopes to step forward—not just as the daughter of a former mayor and congressman—but as a leader in her own right, ready to write the next chapter in Baguio’s story.
