Gilbert Ponce: A Visionary Leader for Calubian’s Future
Engineer-Turned-Statesman Seeks Vice Mayoral Role to Drive Progress in Leyte’s Beloved Municipality
Calubian, Leyte— Gilbert Ponce, a seasoned engineer with an unyielding passion for public service, has officially declared his candidacy for Vice Mayor of Calubian, Leyte, in the upcoming 2025 elections. Known for his pragmatic leadership and deep-rooted commitment to his hometown, Ponce aims to leverage his technical expertise and political acumen to usher in transformative change for the municipality.
From Engineering to Governance: A Leader’s Journey
Born and raised in Barangay Sanguraan (locally referred to as Huson), Gilbert Ponce’s connection to Calubian runs deep. After earning his degree in engineering, he carved out a successful career in the private sector, where he honed his problem-solving skills and attention to detail. However, his desire to serve his community ultimately drew him into politics.
Ponce is no stranger to local governance. During the administration of former Mayor Doroteo Palconit, he served as Vice Mayor, playing a pivotal role in legislative initiatives that prioritized infrastructure development, disaster preparedness, and social welfare. Colleagues and constituents alike recall his tenure as marked by a hands-on approach, transparency, and an unwavering focus on long-term solutions over short-term fixes.
**A Platform of Innovation and Inclusion**
Ponce’s campaign centers on a bold vision: *“A New Calubian for a New Generation.”* Drawing from his engineering background, he emphasizes data-driven policies and sustainable development. Key priorities include:
1. **Infrastructure Modernization**: Upgrading roads, drainage systems, and public facilities to improve connectivity and resilience against natural disasters.
2. **Economic Empowerment**: Supporting local entrepreneurs, farmers, and fisherfolk through access to funding, training, and market linkages.
3. **Transparent Governance**: Strengthening accountability mechanisms to ensure public funds are used efficiently and ethically.
4. **Youth and Education**: Expanding scholarships, vocational programs, and digital literacy initiatives to prepare young Calubianons for future opportunities.
“Leadership is not just about holding a title—it’s about creating systems that empower people,” Ponce remarked during a recent town hall meeting. “As an engineer, I’m trained to build structures that last. As a public servant, I want to build *opportunities* that last.”
Rooted in Community, Driven by Service
Ponce’s humble beginnings in Barangay Sanguraan have shaped his grassroots-oriented approach. Locals describe him as approachable and deeply attuned to the needs of rural communities. His campaign has already gained momentum, with volunteers mobilizing across Calubian’s 53 barangays to share his message of unity and progress.
“Gilbert isn’t someone who forgets where he came from,” shared Maria Lopez, a longtime resident of Huson. “He listens, he acts, and he always puts Calubian first.”
A Call for Collaborative Leadership
Ponce’s bid for Vice Mayor is seen as a strategic move to complement the mayoral aspirations of his allies, though he stresses that his focus remains on fostering collaboration rather than partisanship. “Progress happens when we work together,” he asserts. “Whether you’re in the mountains of Sanguraan or the coastal barangays, everyone deserves a seat at the table.”
Election Outlook
With his blend of technical expertise, political experience, and heartfelt dedication to Calubian, Gilbert Ponce is poised to be a formidable contender in the race. As the campaign season heats up, voters will weigh his track record against his promises—and decide whether his vision for a “better Calubian” aligns with their hopes for the future.
*Election Day is set for May 12, 2025. For now, Gilbert Ponce’s message is clear: Calubian’s best days lie ahead.*
**Gilbert Ponce Aims to Lead Calubian, Leyte: A Deep Dive into the 2022 Mayoral Race**
*By Maria Santos, Correspondent for Leyte Today*
*October 15, 2022*
**Calubian, Leyte** – As the 2022 Philippine elections approach, the race for municipal mayor in the coastal town of Calubian, Leyte, has intensified, with candidates vying to address pressing local issues while navigating the complexities of post-pandemic recovery. Among the contenders, Gilbert Ponce, popularly known as *Bert Ponce*, has emerged as a prominent figure, running under the banner of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). His campaign slogan, “*Aserbisyong Tinuod, Kausaban Moabot*” (Genuine Service, Change Will Come), resonates with voters seeking accountability and progress in this tight-knit municipality.
The Candidate: Who is Gilbert “Bert” Ponce?
Gilbert Ponce, 54, is no stranger to public service. A native of Calubian, Ponce began his career as a barangay captain in the early 2000s, later serving three terms as a municipal councilor. His reputation as a hands-on leader stems from his advocacy for disaster preparedness—a critical issue in Leyte, which faces annual typhoons—and his efforts to improve local infrastructure, including road repairs and flood control projects during his tenure.
Now seeking the mayor’s seat, Ponce positions himself as a bridge between Calubian’s agricultural roots and its potential for modernization. “Our town deserves leaders who understand both the struggles of farmers and the opportunities of technology,” he stated in a recent interview.
The Platform: Priorities for Progress
Ponce’s platform centers on four pillars: **1) Disaster Resilience, 2) Economic Revitalization, 3) Healthcare Access, and 4) Youth Empowerment**.
1. **Disaster Resilience**
Calubian, like much of Leyte, is vulnerable to typhoons and flooding. Ponce vows to prioritize early warning systems, evacuation center upgrades, and partnerships with NGOs to bolster disaster response. His plan includes training community leaders in emergency management and securing funding for reinforced infrastructure.
2. **Economic Revitalization**
With fishing and coconut farming as primary industries, Ponce aims to modernize Calubian’s agricultural sector by introducing cooperatives for fisherfolk and farmers, improving market access, and exploring eco-tourism opportunities along its pristine coastlines. He also pledges to streamline business permits to attract small enterprises.
3. **Healthcare Access**
The pandemic exposed gaps in rural healthcare. Ponce promises to expand the municipal health center’s capabilities, deploy mobile clinics to remote barangays, and partner with provincial hospitals for specialist referrals.
4. **Youth Empowerment**
Highlighting the exodus of young professionals to urban centers, Ponce plans to establish vocational training hubs and incentivize tech-based startups. “We must give our youth reasons to stay and build their futures here,” he said.
Challenges in Calubian: A Town at a Crossroads**
Calubian’s population of 31,000 faces persistent challenges:
- **Infrastructure Deficits**: Many roads remain unpaved, hindering trade and mobility.
- **Unemployment**: Nearly 15% of residents seek work outside the municipality.
- **Environmental Pressures**: Overfishing and deforestation threaten long-term sustainability.
Ponce’s critics question his ability to secure national funding for these issues, given UNA’s minority status in Leyte’s political landscape. However, supporters argue his grassroots experience equips him to navigate bureaucratic hurdles.
The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Factor
UNA, co-founded by former Vice President Jejomar Binay, champions local autonomy and pro-poor policies. While the party has struggled nationally in recent years, its focus on grassroots governance aligns with Ponce’s campaign. UNA’s regional chair, Councilor Ramon Ledesma, endorsed Ponce as “a leader who puts community over politics.”
Community Engagement: A Campaign of Presence
Ponce’s team has adopted a hyper-local strategy, hosting *pulong-pulong* (town hall meetings) in all 53 barangays. In Barangay Tugas, resident Elena Torres shared, “He listens to our complaints about erratic water supply and promises solutions. We’re tired of empty words, but his track record gives us hope.”
Social media has also played a role. His Facebook page, *“Bert Ponce Serbisyo”*, features daily updates on relief efforts and live Q&A sessions. However, internet access remains limited in upland areas, underscoring the need for traditional campaigning.
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### **The Competition: A Crowded Race**
Ponce faces six opponents, including incumbent Mayor Remedios Espina, who seeks a third term. Espina touts her administration’s construction of a new public market and scholarships for students. Meanwhile, independent candidate Leo Martinez, a former police chief, campaigns on anti-corruption and stricter law enforcement.
Analysts predict a tight race, with Ponce’s mix of experience and fresh ideas appealing to younger voters, while Espina retains loyalty among older demographics.
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### **The Ballot: What Voters Will See**
On election day, Ponce’s name will appear on ballots as **“PONCE, BERT (UNA)”** in the No. 3 slot. His team has launched a “*Tres para sa Progreso*” (Three for Progress) jingle to aid voter recall.
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### **Voices from the Ground**
Farmers like Rodrigo Almeida express cautious optimism. “If Ponce can fix irrigation systems, that’s half the battle won,” he said. Meanwhile, high school teacher Lourdes Mercado hopes for education reforms: “Our schools need more teachers and laptops.”
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### **Looking Ahead**
The 2022 elections represent a pivotal moment for Calubian. As Gilbert Ponce crisscrosses the municipality in his trademark white polo shirt, his message remains clear: “Leadership is not about power—it’s about empowering others.” Whether this vision translates into votes will depend on Calubiannons’ appetite for change versus continuity.
With election day looming, one thing is certain: the outcome will shape Calubian’s path toward recovery—or regression—in the years to come.
About Calubian, Leyte
A 3rd-class municipality in Leyte Province, Calubian is renowned for its lush landscapes, vibrant fisheries, and resilient communities. With a population of approximately 34,000, the town faces challenges common to rural Philippines—infrastructure gaps, economic disparities, and climate vulnerabilities—but remains a place of immense potential and pride.