“Uggayam” is a traditional prayer using the local language of the Cordillera.  

This is how the group “Gawis ay Baguio” began showing their support for Mark Andrew Directo’s candidacy for Mayor of Baguio City.

They also performed a traditional dance before entering the COMELEC Baguio office.  

The Good Governance Alliance held a gathering that seemed like a fiesta at Sunshine Park, Baguio City, led by incumbent Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who is running for his third term.  

They held a ritual to guide them in filing their candidacy.  

Mayor Magalong hopes to continue implementing programs that will improve the lives of Baguio residents.

Several youth are also part of his lineup.  

The fourth option for the mayoralty race in the city is incumbent City Councilor Benny Bomogao, who filed his candidacy today.  

He is supported by his daughter, Islay Bomogao, the World’s Female No. 1 Muay Thai fighter.

“We would like to make a big difference in the lives of our constituents. Policies that affect their lives should be led by them; their welfare should come first,” said Councilor Benny Bomogao.

He is accompanied by Ted Tan, who is running for city council under the party list “Timpuyog ti Baguio.”  

Tan’s main concern is addressing congestion.

Meanwhile, aside from well-known names in Baguio, some new candidates also filed their candidacy.  

Among them is Mister Earth Tourism Ambassador 2023, Kurt Santiago.

The candidates believe that the number eight is lucky in the calendar.

However, as they file their candidacies, they are also hoping that the public will once again trust in the service they provide to the nation.

**JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR