STA. CRUZ, Laguna. Businesswoman and philanthropist Gem Castillo Amante officially announced her candidacy for Vice Governor of Laguna under the National Unity Party (NUP) banner. Amante, the wife of San Pablo City Mayor Vicente B. Amante, will run alongside Laguna 2nd District Congressman Dan Fernandez, who is eyeing the governorship. The pair filed their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, today, October 6, 2024.
Amante, widely known for her successful business ventures and various philanthropic efforts across Laguna, aims to bring modernization and empowerment, particularly for women, as the cornerstone of her political platform. She has long been an advocate for community development and enhancing Lagunenses’ quality of life, drawing from her years of experience in public service alongside her husband.
Fernandez, a veteran legislator, has voiced his confidence in Amante’s leadership capabilities, emphasizing their shared vision for a progressive Laguna. Together, they plan to push for infrastructure development, economic growth, and policies that will ensure the welfare of all sectors, particularly women and marginalized communities.
The tandem is expected to gain significant support from various local sectors as they present a unified front under the NUP party, focusing on innovation and inclusivity in governance.
Their official candidacy filing marks the start of what many anticipate will be a spirited and competitive election in Laguna.
Photo credit: Sandy Belarmino
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
