Former actress Cristina “Kring-Kring” Gonzales is now the mayor of Tacloban City. She took her oath of office on June 30 along with the members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod. She succeeds her husband, Alfred Romualdez, who was mayor of the city for nine years.
“I will continue the seed we planted in Tacloban. With our leadership, the city will continue to flourish,” said the new mayor, the second female mayor in the history of the city.
Alfred and their daughters Sofia and Dianne, together with the family of Cristina, witnessed the inauguration of the second female mayor in the history of Tacloban City. Barangay 88 Chairperson Emelita Montalban, Vice Mayor Jerry T. Yaokasin and the 10 city councilors were all present during the event that also marked the end of the annual Sangyaw Festival.
U.S.-based Pastor Ruth Hillary and Tacloban City’s Rev. Father Ronel Taboso offered prayers for the city government leaders.
“I will have more time to take care of our two beautiful daughters and of course, support my wife,” said former Mayor Alfred who is excited to take on his new role as first gentleman of the mayor.
“Cristina will be an effective mayor. She has the heart of a leader, a mother, a servant,” said Romualdez’s legal counsel Atty. Alex Avisado who also witnessed the event with his team.
Malu Tabao, an employee at the city hall feels blessed to have the Romualdez family as the city’s leaders. “Sa panahon ng hirap noon at ginhawa ngayon, nandiyan silang mag-asawa. Malaking privilege sa amin na magkaroon ng babaeng mayor. Parehas na mabait na lider ang pinagsisilbihan namin (At times of hardship then and prosperity now, the couple has been there. It is a great privilege for us to have a female mayor. The leaders that we serve are both very kind,” she said.