• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Partido Kusog Talisaynon (PKT)-Asenso formally recognized on Sunday the historic election of Atty. Maria Rowena “Weng” Guadalupe Lopez Lizares as the first woman mayor of Talisay City in Negros Occidental, calling her victory a turning point in the city’s political history.
In a statement issued during its 33rd General Leaders Assembly held at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College University gym in Talisay City, the PKT said Talisay’s highest local posts had long been dominated by men, with political leadership traditionally viewed as a male domain.
The May 12 elections, however, marked a decisive shift as voters elected Lizares to the city’s top post. PKT said Lizares’ victory challenged long-standing patriarchal norms and affirmed the growing recognition of women’s capacity to lead.
The party described her election as a strong signal that the community is ready to embrace inclusive leadership toward a more just and humane future.
Lizares, a lawyer and the wife of former mayor Neil Lizares, was named after Our Lady of Guadalupe, whom the party described as a symbol of compassion and advocacy for the poor and oppressed. She is known for her religious upbringing and deep faith, as well as her work in advancing human rights.
The party also cited Lizares’ role as president of the Angel’s Wings Foundation, noting her involvement in programs that support underprivileged and vulnerable sectors of society.
According to PKT, the 2025 elections were marked by intense political competition, with several prominent and powerful figures vying for leadership positions.
Despite this, Lizares accepted what the party described as a daunting challenge and campaigned on the pillars of integrity, ability, capacity, and credibility.
“These values guided her through the rigors of the campaign and ultimately led to her victory,” the party said, adding that her leadership is expected to usher in a new chapter for Talisay City
In her 100 days as Talisay City mayor, Mayor Weng Lizares was adjudged as Top 1 Performing City Mayor of Negros Occidental in Transparency, Good Governance and Accountability with a rating of 92.80 in October this year, based on the results of the Pulso ng Bayan survey.
In her speech during the assembly, which was attended by about 8,000 party leaders in all Talisay City barangays, Lizares reported that many businesses have opened in Talisay City, including McDonalds, Watsons, Megaworld, and 711, among others, in almost six months of her administration.
This indicates the full trust of more investors to her administration, the mayor said.
Starting next year, Lizares also announced the opening of new Talisay market, the signing of deed of donation between the Lopez family and Talisay City government for the donation of a land to be the site of new hospital, and the donation of another lot by the First Farmers Holding Corporation for the establishment of another super health center in Brgy. Dos Hermanas, Talisay City.
She also bared her plans to establish more police substations in strategic areas of Talisay City, in response to the assurance of PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, regional police director of PRO- Negros Island Region, that he will prioritize the city in the deployment of more police personnel and investigators.*
