Mandaluyong sees better future with stronger leadership

In a familiar yet significant turn of events for Mandaluyong City, Menchie Abalos, the city’s former vice mayor, has once again ascended to the chief executive position. Her path to the mayoralty was notably unopposed in the recently concluded May midterm elections.

Abalos secured 105,511 votes, which reinforces her strong political standing in the city. Alongside her, Anthony Suva claimed the vice mayor position with 99,219 votes, while Queenie Gonzales was elected as the city’s lone district representative, receiving 104,237 votes.

Abalos holds a unique place in Mandaluyong’s history, having earned the distinction of becoming the city’s first female mayor during her initial term from 2016 to 2022.

Her political lineage is deeply intertwined with the city’s prominent Abalos family; she is the wife of Benhur Abalos, former Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary and a former Mandaluyong mayor himself.

Adding another layer to her family’s enduring legacy, she previously served as vice mayor under her father-in-law, the incumbent city mayor and former Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr.

The Abalos family’s commitment to public service extends beyond electoral victories, as evidenced by recent commendations and ongoing initiatives within the city. The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Mandaluyong, for instance, proudly shared its Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME HRM) Bronze Award Maturity Level II, an accolade received from the Civil Service Commission-National Capital Region (CSC-NCR).

This prestigious award was personally presented by CSC-NCR director II Margarita Reyes to the SDO Mandaluyong staff, led by Superintendent Dr. Romela Cruz.

Menchie Abalos herself was a recipient of significant appreciation, recognized for embodying the principle of “GAWA HINDI SALITA…MANDALEÑO DISIPLINADO” (Deeds Not Words…Disciplined Mandaleño) during her tenure as presiding officer of the Mandaluyong City government.

This commitment underscored her dedication and faithful service to the city’s legislative body. As a result, the Mandaluyong City government, then led by Mayor Ben Abalos and the Council members, sincerely acknowledged Menchie Abalos through Resolution No. 3628, Series of 2025.

This resolution served as a testament to her invaluable contributions in fostering livelihood, peace and progress for every Mandaleño. The city now collectively rallies behind Mayor Menchie Abalos, united in action and support, for the continued advancement of Mandaluyong in this new chapter of her leadership.

Mayor Ben Abalos’ own leadership also continues to be celebrated. The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Mandaluyong passed Resolution No. 3629, Series of 2025, specifically acknowledging his renewed service as the “father of Mandaluyong City” from 1 July 2022, until his term’s conclusion on 30 June 2025.

His focus, it was noted, has consistently been on housing, education, health, and employment programs for all Mandaleños — initiatives he championed since first entering politics as Mandaluyong’s inaugural mayor in 1986.

Beyond formal recognitions, the city has been actively implementing programs aimed at community welfare and development.

Mandaluyong City recently launched “Brigada Eskwela 2025” with a symbolic turnover of essential school supplies, including books, notebooks, bags, uniforms, shoes, socks, go bags, and hygiene kits.

This event, held during a flag-raising ceremony at city hall, was spearheaded by Mayor Ben Abalos, Vice Mayor Menchie Abalos, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and SDO Superintendent Romela Cruz. Mayor Abalos stressed that education remains the most vital and valuable investment in shaping the youth’s future, assuring that the city government consistently allocates funds for learning materials and uniforms for all Mandaleño students attending public schools.

Furthermore, in a heartwarming segment of the weekly city program, Mayor Ben Abalos joyfully featured the Outstanding Students and Student Leaders from various programs offered by the Mandaluyong Manpower and Technical-Vocational Training Center (MMTVTC).

This event coincided with the celebration of Mandaluyong Manpower and Tech-Voc Training Center Day in June.

The roster of honorees included outstanding students such as Jaderick Navarro and Nichole Donald Canales in Automotive Servicing; Eleazar Nido in Basic Computer Literacy; Reginio Tinio in Bread and Pastry Production; Rosalie Talatala in Computer System Servicing; Elma Amparado in Dressmaking NCII; Kart Janxent Villalobos and Juan Uy in Electrical Installation Management; Leonard Galan in Electronic Products Assembly Servicing; Teresita Pacura in Events Management Services; Jhoven Colot in Food and Beverage Services; Ma. Jacqueline Claravall in Food Processing; Melvin Luna in Hairdressing; Beverly Jimenez and Jonh Carlo Abonda in Housekeeping; Almark Joseph Cariño and Claudine Saw in Massage Therapy; John Kenneth Bendillo, Dominic Gomez, and Nilo Santos in Refrigerator and Aircon Servicing; and Jonathan Estebe and Alejandro Dioses Jr. in Shielded Metal Arc Welding.

Among the recognized student leaders were Trevor Lacson and Maila Nerida for Automotive Servicing; SK Chairman Romark Orias for Basic Computer Literacy; Lamberto Cruz for Bread and Pastry Production; Carlo Pecbot for Computer System Servicing; Elma Amparado for Dressmaking NCII; John Austin Viterbo and Joseph Santos for Electrical Installation Management; Richard Villaruz for Electronic Products Assembly Servicing; Gerilyn Laycano for Events Management Services; John Paul Arquilla for Food and Beverage Services; Ma. Jacqueline Claravall for Food Processing; Charlie Montilla for Hairdressing; Jhon Carlo Monleon and Faye Santiago for Housekeeping; Carina Concepcion and Setrido Lomarda for Massage Therapy; Benjie Viray, Ro-John Garcia, and Mark Anthony Navarro for Refrigerator and Aircon Servicing; and Lemuel Jay Bautista and John Francis Gonzales for Shielded Metal Arc Welding.

These commendations stand as a testament to Mandaluyong’s unwavering dedication to recognizing and empowering the talents of every Mandaleño, transforming aspirations into tangible achievements.