Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas, or Arlene, as she is commonly called, is the first woman mayor of the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna. She is also the first to be elected as City Mayor after Santa Rosa was converted into a city, and is the youngest to be elected as local chief executive of local government unit.
Living up to the meaning of her name, which is pledge or promise, Arlene has become synonymous to the achievements of the City of Santa Rosa.
In her first term of office, Arlene had made strides in public administration, making the people of the City of Santa Rosa proud. Just as the lion has symbolized the city with its roaring economy and vibrant trade and industry, she has transformed the City of Santa Rosa and made it live up to its accolade as the Lion City of South Luzon.
Her health program is now among the best in the country having won accolades and recognition, particularly in terms of nutrition. Her social welfare program has benefited so many of Santa Rosa residents who are in crisis situation.
Arlene’s style of leadership and management has also earned the City of Santa Rosa as the Model City of Laguna is terms of fighting bureaucratic red tape and corruption. She has also pushed for the establishment of the City as the ICT Hub of Calabarzon, having been named as the Top Two Next City in the Philippines.
Her public relations skills have made the city as among the most sought after location for investors. In fact, the City of Santa Rosa is now a twin city or sister city of Makati and of the Kummon Enkopping in Sweden. Many other cities such as Baguio and Toyokawa in Japan have sent willingness to become partners of the City of Santa Rosa.
An advocate of women’s rights and of the environment, she is currently campaigning for the adoption of the city’s very own Women’s Code that will ensure the protection of the rights of women and the promotion of the women’s role in the City’s development.
An environmentalist, she is pushing for the implementation of the solid waste management program with the objective of attaining zero waste in ten years and ensuring the livability of the city. She is also pushing for the passage of the city’s Environment Code.
A mother of two teenagers, she believes that education is the best foundation for the future of Filipino families and the country. And like her father, the late Mayor Leon Arcillas, she has given priority to education, providing free basic education and scholarship grants. She has also provided the Polytechnic University of the Philippines a home here in Santa Rosa.
Now on her second term, Arlene has set sights for further development of the City that will elevate the standard of living of its people. Indeed, she has achieved much and is true to her promise to her people captured in her slogan for the city: SERBISYONG MAKATAO, LUNGSOD NG MAKABAGO.
When he took office as City Vice Mayor after the 2010 Elections, Arnel D.C. Gomez said that the Roseñans will come to know a new City Council. He stressed during his Oath Taking that the City Council will live up to its label and truly be a ‘Sanggunian ng Tao, mula sa Tao, para sa Tao.’
He ushered in the idea of having a more and transparent Sangguniang Panlungsod for the people where they can be part and give inputs for the formulation of new resolutions and ordinances for the benefit of all. Though it has yet to happen, the Vice Mayor already opened other avenues where the residents can be in the know of what’s latest ordinance they can expect and follow developments in the implementation of such ordinances – and this is through the quarterly newsletter publication entitled Ang Sanggunian and the official website of the Santa Rosa City Council www.konsehosantarosa.com.ph. He also started the development of ANG SANGGUNIAN – ON AIR where regular sessions will be shown on-air via local cable channel. He also brought the Sanggunian closer to the people by bringing the regular sessions directly to the different barangays. By holding the regular session in the barangay halls, the barangay officials, employees and constituents can witness the Sangguniang Panlungsod members in action and be updated as well.
Achievements and Advocacies in Public Service
A former City Councilor himself, Vice Mayor Gomez authored legislative measures that Roseñans immensely benefitted from such as Ordinance No. 1624-2009 granting a tax relief to all real property tax delinquents by waiving the collection of all interest and penalties from Nov. 1, 2009 – May 16, 2010 and Resolution No. 189-2008 creating a Bureau of Immigration-Satellite Office in the City. He served as Chairman for Committee on Peace and Order and Committee on Tourism and Cultural Affairs.
He also helped establish the first Emergency/Disaster Operations Center in the City, inaugurated last July 2008. Also part of this measure is the creation of the Special Rescue Unit and the Rescue Team, and the Emergency Hotline 534-9999. He also donated a Rescue Van to be used for this purpose.
As part of his advocacy for the promotion of Tourism and Culture, he took effort in the continuation of claim for Cuartel de Santo Domingo, and development as an eco-tourism spot. He paid tribute to Roseñans who brought honor to Santa Rosa such as Maria Carpena and Roseñan Rondalla. He helped boost the City’s standing as Automotive Manufacturing Capital of the Philippines by organizing the Santa Rosa Motorfest in 2008. Launched activities for youth development such as Ginoong Santa Rosa (Male Beauty Pageant) and Itaktak Mo Summer Dance Contest since 2007. He also organized the Bisig ng Santa Rosa (Physical Fitness Body Building Competition) and initiated the formation of the Sining Santa Rosa which includes the Pangkat Indayog. He also served as the first Council Chairman of Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) City of Santa Rosa Council from 2008 to 2010 and was awarded as Council Chairman for the Year 2009 (National Level).
Since 2005, he introduced a logo that will show and promote love and care for the city and to fellow Roseñans, the I Love Santa Rosa. With the goal of helping constituents, his “Alay naming Ginhawa” outreach programs begun. A foundation was founded in 2009 and formally launched in 2010, the I Love Santa Rosa Foundation, Inc. His objective is also to provide the ABC’s of public service, that is, to provide Access for the needy, extend Benefits and Blessings and to provide Comfort and Convenience for Roseñans. Priority programs of the Foundation are for Health, Education, Livelihood and for the Mother Earth. Since 2009, they have served Roseñans with free cataract and tyredium eye operations, distributed prescription eye glasses, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, nebulizers etc. Scholarships through allowances for indigent students and free school supplies, promoted livelihood programs and distributed waste bins and eco bags as environmental projects.
Family of Public Servants
Public service is already in his blood, some people would say. His great grandfather Feliciano A. Gomez served as Governor of Laguna, Congressman 1st District and Mayor. His grandfather Artemio T. Gomez Sr. served as Vice Mayor of Santa Rosa while his father Artemio M. Gomez Jr. also served as City Councilor of Santa Rosa. His mother Nelly C. Gomez, our City Assessor, has worked for the Santa Rosa Government since 1976, while his aunt Cynthia M. Gomez, the current Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary, since 1979.
His siblings were also into public service. His brother Ariel serves as Brgy. Kagawad since year 2007 up to present and his sister Lea Nel served as Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman in Brgy. Balibago from year 2002 up to 2007. And apparently, their desire to serve their fellow Roseñans was inherited by his own offspring as well. His daughter Louise Annel served as Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman in Brgy. Don Jose from 2007 up to 2010.
Vice Mayor Gomez assumed the position as City Councilor last November 2005 to serve the unexpired term of his father. He was then elected as City Councilor last 2007 election and ranked fourth. He became the youngest City Vice Mayor of Santa Rosa and in the Province of Laguna in the 2010 election.
Affiliations
He is now a Board of Director at the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines-Laguna Chapter. When he was still a City Councilor, he was the Regional Vice President for Cities, Philippine International Sisterhood and Twinning Association (PHISTA) Region IV-A. He is also a member of the Couples for Christ and the Lectors and Commentators Ministry in Don Bosco Parish. Vice Mayor Gomez is also a member of the Parish Renewal Experience and served as President of PREX Batch 102.
Born Roseñan
A true blue Roseñan, Vice Mayor Gomez was born on June 9, 1972 in Santa Rosa, Laguna. He received his elementary and secondary education at Canossa School and graduated college in 1992 at the De La Salle University Manila with a degree in BS Electronics and Communication Engineering.
He is married to Maria Luisa Q. Gomez and is blessed with children Angelo Carlo, Louise Annel and Arlan Ross.
Birth date: December 2, 1959
Name of Father: Luis T. Algabre
Name of Mother: Fermina N. Banzuela
Spouse: Sonia U. Algabre, BS CHE, DMD
Children: Loise Ann (18); Ezekiel (16); Maicah Lou (7)
Educational Background: Elementary- Dita Elemnetary School (1972); High School-Dita National High School (1977); College- De Ocampo Memorial College (1986) Formerly Philippine Dental College; Dentistry - University of the East Oral Implantolgy (1992) Center of the Philippines - Oral Implantolgy
Political Background: Municipal Councilor (1995-1998); No. 1 Municipal Councilor (1998-2001); No. 1 Municipal Councilor (2001-2004); No. 1 City Councilor (2007-2010); No. 1 City Councilor (2010-present)
Committee Chairmanship: Committee on Health and Public Sanitation; Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations
Committee Membership: Committee on Finance, Budget & Appropriations; Committee on Ethics, Rules & Privileges; Committee on Livelihood & Cooperatives Development; Committee on Games and Amusement; Committee on Public Market & Slaughterhouse
Birth date: August 15, 1972
Name of Father: Normando Cendaña
Name of Mother: Asuncion Carvajal
Name of Spouse: Mariel Cervantes
Children: Marion Christian (15 ); Miguel Antonio (13); Mikaela Sophia (7 ); Marie Celine (3 )
Educational Background: Elementary- Countryside Montessori (1985); High School- Countryside Montessori (1989); College- University of Perpetual Help – Laguna (1993) BS Psychology
Political Background: Appointed City Councilor (2005); City Councilor (2007 - present)
Committee Chairmanship: Committee on Housing & Urban Planning; Committee on Public Market & Slaughterhouse
Committee Membership: Committee on Peace & Order; Committee on Education; Committee on Tourism & Cultural Affairs; Committee on Agriculture, Food & Fisheries; Committee on Laws & Government; Committee on Public Utilities & Transport; Committee on Social Welfare; Committee on Senior Citizen Affair
Birth date: January 25, 1964
Name of Father: Luisito B. Carta
Name of Mother: Juliana O. Alcasabas
Spouse: Mary Jane N. Alcos
Children: Charles Jandy (13); Aaliyah Jandy (8 )
Educational Background: Elementary- Santa Rosa Central School (1976); High School- Santa Rosa Educational Institution (1980); College- Adamson University (1985) BS Industrial Engineering
Political Background: Barangay Councilor of Brgy Pooc (1989 - 1994); Barangay Captain of Brgy Pooc (1994 - 1997); Municipal Councilor (1998 - 2004); City Councilor (2004 - 2007); Acting City Vice Mayor (Oct. 10, 2006 – Feb. 10, 2007); City Councilor (2010 - present)
Committee Chairmanship: Committee on Infrastructure; Committee on Livelihood & Cooperatives Development
Committee Membership: Committee on Peace & Order; Committee on Housing & Urban Planning; Committee on Finance & Budget Appropriation; Committee on Laws & Government; Committee on Games & amusement; Committee on Ways & Means
Birth date: December 27, 1969
Name of Father: Edgardo B. Cecilia
Name of Mother: Teresito O. Cecilia
Spouse: Hon. Raul P. Aala (†)
Children: Aaron (13 ); Ara Pauline (9)
Educational Background: Elementary- Canossa School (1981); High School- Canossa School (1986); College- University of Perpetual Help – Laguna (1991) BS Psychology
Political Background: City Councilor (2007 – present)
Committee Chairmanship: Committee on Ethics, Rules & Privileges; Committee on Blue Ribbon & Human Rights
Committee Membership: Committee on Labor & Industrial Relations; Committee on Social Welfare; Committee on Women & Family
Birth date: October 4, 1960
Name of Father: Ponciano A. Factoriza
Name of Mother: Carolina dela Cruz
Spouse: Heny B. Factoriza
Children: Mark Joepet (23); Kathleen (19); Mark Angelo (14)
Educational Background: College- Technological Institute of the Philippines (1985) BS Mechanical Engineering
Political Background: City Councilor (1998-2007)
Committee Chairmanship: Committee on Peace & Order; Committee on Public Utilities & Transportation
Committee Membership: Committee on Housing & Urban Planning; Committee on Agriculture, Food & Fisheries; Committee on Blue Ribbon & Human Rights; Committee on Livelihood & Cooperatives Development; Committee on Women & Family
Birth date: November 21, 1984
Name of Father: Efren A. Carvajal
Name of Mother: Nelia F. Carvajal, CPA
Educational Background: Elementary- Holy Rosary Academy (1997); High School- Holy Rosary Academy (2001); College- De La Salle University – Dasmariñas (2008)
Political Background: Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman of Brgy. Malusak (2002 - 2007); Sangguniang Kabataan Federation – Acting President (2002 - 2007); Ex-Officio Member, Sangguniang Panlungsod; City Councilor (2007 - present)
Committee Chairmanship: Committee on Games & Amusement; Committee on Ways & Means
Committee Membership: Committee on Environment & Natural Resources; Committee on Infrastructure; Committee on Tourism & Cultural Affairs
Birth date: July 13, 1961
Name of Father: Marcelino C. Tatlonghari
Name of Mother: Amelia V. dela Cruz
Name of Spouse: Hon. Marcelito S. Laserna (†)
Child: Mar Anthony (15)
Educational Background: Elementary- Sta Rosa Elementary School; High School- Sta Rosa High School; College - Adamson University (BS Commerce Major in Management)
Political Background: City Councilor (2004 – 2007); City Councilor (2007 - present)
Committee Chairmanship: Committee on Finance, Budget & Appropriation; Committee on Women & Family; Committee on Senior Citizen Affairs
Committee Membership: Committee on Health & Public Sanitation; Committee on Commerce, Trade & Industry; Committee on Public Utilities & Transportation
Birth date: December 29, 1959
Name of Father: Vito C. Puzon
Name of Mother: Zoraida Tipon
Name of Spouse: Ma. Carliza Pradel
Children: Nikko (19); Jikko Alfonso (17)
Educational Background: Elementary- Canossa School (1972); High School- Santa Rosa high School (1976); College- University of Santo Tomas (1983)
Political Background: Barangay Councilor of Kanluran (1982-1988); Municipal Councilor (1988-1992); Municipal Councilor (1992-1995); Municipal Councilor (1998-2001); City Councilor (2001-2004); City Councilor (2010-present)
Committee Chairmanship: Committee on Environment & Natural Resources; Committee on Laws & Government
Committee Membership: Committee on Commerce, Trade & Industry; Committee on Ethics, Rules & Privileges; Committee on Ways & Means
Birth date: Ocotber 28, 1950
Name of Father: Paulino Camaclang Sr.
Name of Mother: Exaltacion Yago
Name of Spouse: Teofila B. Camaclang
Children: Armida (38); Anna Valerie (33); Agnes-Jean (32); Jean-Paul (29); Paulino George Franklin (17)
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Elementary- Santa Rosa Elementary School; High School- Santa Rosa High School; College; University of the East (BSBA - Accounting)
POLITICAL BACKGROUND: Brgy Captain of Dita (1989-1994); City Councilor (1995-2001); City Councilor (2007-present)
Committee Chairmanship: Committee on Education; Committee on Commerce, Trade & Industry; Committee on Agriculture, Food & Fisheries
Committee Membership: Committee on Health & Public Sanitation; Committee on Infrastructure; Committee on Blue Ribbon & Human Rights; Committee on Public Market & Slaughterhouse; Committee on Senior Citizen Affair
Birth date: January 13, 1970
Name of Father: Emilio M. Tiongco
Name of Mother: Yolanda S. Tiongco
Name of Spouse: Arlene A. Tiongco
Child: Patricia Ysobelle (10)
Educational Background: Elementary- Canossa School (1982); High School- Canossa School (1986); College- Letran College Manila- BS Psychology; Ateneo de Manila- IT (1992) Computer Programmer
Political Background: Kabataang Barangay Kagawad of Brgy. Kanluran (1984)
Committee Chairmanship: Committee on Tourism & Cultural Affairs; Committee on Social Welfare
Committee Membership: Committee on Environment & Natural Resources; Committee on Education; Committee on Labor & Industrial Relations
