In a city traditionally ruled by men, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna has proven that female leaders like her could also shine.
As the first lady mayor of the most-dense city in the Metro, Lacuna has managed to surpass expectations in her first year and hurdled what could be the biggest challenge to her career as a public servant.
Lacuna shone bright in Manila despite being relegated to the background at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, where her medical background proved most helpful in giving direction to the fight against the deadly unseen virus.
Despite being teased when she declared herself ready for the big fight in the mayoralty race of 2002, Lacuna defied the odds and put to shame political bigwigs who never gave her a chance to win the elections.
For the first time, residents saw a lady candidate becoming city mayor, joining the ranks of erstwhile city leaders Arsenio Lacson, Ramon Bagatsing, Lito Atienza, Fred Lim, Joseph Estrada, and lastly Isko Moreno — arguably some of the biggest names in Philippine politics.
With her rivals taunting her as a weak leader and her family name good only for vice mayor, Lacuna persevered and managed to fill the big shoes left behind by Moreno who opted to gun for the presidency last year despite only being in his first term of office.
While providing continuity to the programs of Moreno, Lacuna injected her own brand of leadership, completing projects that received awards and recognition both here and internationally.
Truly, Lacuna stands as truly deserving of the position left vacant by Moreno.
