Former Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) president Gab Bayan filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for councilor in Pasig City’s 2nd District last October 8, formalizing his electoral bid in the 2022 May elections.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Bayan stated that he will be running under the same slate as the reelectionist Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.

“Para sa mga taong naniniwala na posible ang tunay na pagbabago. Para sa tama at kalidad na serbisyo publiko. Para sa pamumuno na ang batayan ay karanasan, plataporma at prinsipyo. Para sa mga kabataan, ang susunod na henerasyon ng Pasigueño. Para sa Diyos at para sa bayan (For the people who believes that true change is possible. For good and quality public service. For leadership that is based on experience, platform and principle. For the youth, the next generation of Pasigueño. For God, and for the country),” Bayan stated in his post.

In a live interview video posted by Balitang Pasigueño, Bayan said that his platforms focus on three “E’s”—education, employment, and empowerment.

Moreover, Bayan stressed that he will be promoting COVID-19 vaccinations among the young people of Pasig to assure the safe opening of limited face-to-face classes and maintain safe workspaces for the employment sector in Pasig.

In addition, Bayan eyes the opening of Pasig E-Library for the students, teachers, and job-seekers. He also seeks the legislation of the “Bayanihan sa Pasig” ordinance which will establish a community affairs office.

“Ako po ay bago at bata. Wala akong kilalang apelyido sa pulitika o malawak na makinarya. Ang meron lang po ako ay karanasan, tamang prinsipyo, at parehong pangarap tulad ni Mayor Vico Sotto at ng aking mga kasama na maging parte ng tunay na pagbabago at reporma dito sa ating lungsod (I am new and young. I don’t have connections with popular political names or wide machinery. All I have is experience, right principle and same dreams with Mayor Vico Sotto and my colleagues in being a part of the real change and reform in our city),” Bayan said.

Bayan took his Bachelor of Arts in Communication in FEU and served as FEUCSO president from 2017 to 2018.  He was also among the recipients of the 2017 Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines.

The aspiring councilor currently works as an anchor in People's Television Network (PTV) and as Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson at Barangay Santolan, Pasig.

- Shane Vallery A. Beduya

(Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News)