MANILA, Philippines — The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) has elected its new National Executive Board for the 2026–2029 term, reaffirming its commitment to advancing local governance, strengthening local autonomy, and promoting collaboration among local government units (LGUs) nationwide.
The 20-member Executive Board represents the country’s various leagues of local officials, including governors, mayors, vice governors, vice mayors, councilors, barangay officials, and other local government leaders. The new leadership assumes office following the 2025 national and local elections.
Serving as ULAP National President is Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo E. “Dax” Cua, who was re-elected to the position. South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. was likewise re-elected National Chairman. Completing the organization’s top leadership are Bataan Vice Governor Ma. Cristina M. Garcia as Vice Chairman and Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte as Executive Vice President.
Elected as Regional Vice Presidents are San Juan City Mayor Francis M. Zamora for Luzon, Iloilo City Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace L. Baronda for the Visayas, and Misamis Oriental Board Member Dexter B. Yasay for Mindanao.
Also elected were Batangas Vice Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas as Secretary-General, Guimbal, Iloilo Vice Mayor Christine S. Garin as Deputy Secretary-General, Cavite Board Member Kerby J. Salazar as Treasurer, Mandaluyong Vice Mayor Anthony D. Suva Jr. as Assistant Treasurer, Echague Mayor Faustino A. Dy V as Auditor, and Isabela Board Member Ma. Katrina Jessica G. Dy as Assistant Auditor.
Completing the Executive Board are Apalit Mayor Oscar D. Tetangco Jr. as Public Relations Officer; Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental Vice Mayor Joyce B. Mariscal as Assistant Public Relations Officer; Pinili, Ilocos Norte Vice Mayor Maynard Francis R. Bumanglag as Liaison Officer; Cavite Board Member Romel R. Enriquez as Assistant Liaison Officer; Muntinlupa City Councilor Atty. Raul R. Corro as Legal Counsel; Mandaluyong City Councilor Benjie A. Abalos III as Chair for Advocacy and Policy; and Leyte Board Member Martina L. Gimenez as Chair for Gender and Development.
In accepting the mandate of the member leagues, Cua emphasized the importance of unity among local government leaders.
“Across our diverse mandates and perspectives, we remain united by a common purpose: to uphold the welfare of our local government units and to advance the interests of the communities we serve,” he said.
Tamayo likewise underscored the value of collective leadership in addressing the challenges facing local governments.
“While we come from different provinces, cities, municipalities, barangays, and leagues, we are united by our mission to champion the welfare of LGUs and to ensure that the voices of local governments are heard, respected, and considered in the national agenda,” Tamayo said. “The true strength of ULAP lies not in individual positions, but in our ability to work together as one local government community.”
As the umbrella organization of the country’s local government leagues, ULAP continues to serve as a vital platform for policy advocacy, intergovernmental collaboration, and capacity-building. The organization works closely with national government agencies, development partners, and the private sector to strengthen local governance, improve public service delivery, and promote sustainable and inclusive development.
Founded to unite the country’s local government leagues under one organization, ULAP remains one of the Philippines’ leading institutions dedicated to promoting excellence in local governance, leadership, and public service.
