As early as November 2021, the 145-member League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) sealed its support to the candidacy of Senator Win Gatchalian in seeking another six-year term in the Senate.
The LCP National Executive Board, following a motion made by LCP National President and Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, seconded and unanimously approved by all members, Resolution No. 2021-001 expressing their full support to the re-election bid of Gatchalian.
“His impressive leadership makes him highly qualified for the Senate. His success in the senatorial race will bolster the advocacy of local government units for genuine autonomy, good governance, transparency, and accountability. He epitomizes excellence in public service as he knows his people and is willing to address their needs holistically and sustainably,” the two-page resolution stated as certified by Calapan City Mayor and LCP Vice-Chairperson and Secretary General Arnan Panaligan and attested by General Santos City Mayor and LCP National Chairperson Ronnel Rivera.
Gatchalian served as LCP Vice President for National Capital Region (NCR) from 2010 to 2013 while he was still Valenzuela City mayor. The league of city mayors in the country cited Gatchalian’s numerous accomplishments not only as local chief executive but also in pursuing the interests of local governments.
The LCP noted how Gatchalian, in his three consecutive terms as Valenzuela City mayor from 2004 to 2013, revolutionized good governance through active reforms in the local business sector, education, health, and housing services to his constituents.
The group said that as a local official, Gatchalian championed the welfare of learners by initiating various education programs such as the school-based “K to 6 In-School Feeding Program” and “Nanay-Teacher Program.” He also implemented mastery of skills for teachers to strengthen their competencies.
The LCP likewise took recognition of his leadership in Valenzuela when the city’s education program became the best system in the country and the time when it was awarded as the “Most Business-Friendly LGU-HUCs” by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI).
It was also under his term as mayor that Valenzuela City became a Health Governance Awardee and won the Seal of Good Housekeeping award given by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).