FORMER congresswoman Gina V.P. de Venecia, popularly known as Manay Gina, officially filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) on Sunday, October 6, aiming to return to the House of Representatives.

Her COC was filed on her behalf by her son, incumbent Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher “Toff” de Venecia, at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office in Dagupan City. She is running under the Lakas-CMD political party headed by Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Manay Gina expressed gratitude to the people of Pangasinan’s 4th district for their continued support of her family’s public service legacy. Her husband, former Speaker Jose de Venecia, served seven terms in the House of Representatives, five of which as Speaker, and Christopher is currently in his third and final term.

Manay Gina herself was elected as congresswoman in the 15th (2010-2013) and 16th (2013-2016) congresses and served twice as president of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI).

“My vision is to empower every generation by providing livelihood opportunities for all—from Gen Zs to Millennials and their parents,” she emphasized. She plans to champion the growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as well as nurture local tourism, arts and culture.

Manay Gina introduced her campaign philosophy encapsulated in the acronym L.O.V.E.: “L” for Livelihood Opportunities, “O” for Overall Health Care, “V” for Values Formation, and “E” for Education and Environment. “Together, let us build a future founded on L.O.V.E. where every individual can flourish,” she said.

Manay Gina is riding on the crest of a remarkable legislative track record of her son, Rep. Christopher de Venecia, who is recognized as a champion of creative industries.

Manay Gina is also a notable advocate for abused women, street children and abandoned senior citizens, having established three national welfare institutions: The Haven for Women, The Haven for Children and The Haven for the Elderly.

In her congressional bid, Manay Gina enjoys strong backing from all incumbent mayors in the district.

Mayor Belen Fernandez of Dagupan City expressed enthusiasm for working with her again, saying, “I am very excited kasi makakatrabaho ko uli si Manay. Alam n’yo noong ako ay naging councilor, vice mayor at mayor, partners na kami talaga.”

Mayor Bona Fe de Vera Parayno of Mangaldan stated, “Open arms kami kay Manay Gina. Siya po ay nasubok na namin bilang kongresista dito sa 4th district, especially dito sa Mangaldan. Walang makakapantay sa mga De Venecia. Kami ay ‘G na G’ na sa Mangaldan.”

Mayor Marlyn Agbayani of San Fabian also said, “Very welcome po s’ya dahil alam kong ipagpapatuloy niya ang programa ni former Speaker Joe de Venecia at ‘yung mga serbisyong binibigay ng mahal nating si Cong. Toff.”

Meanwhile, San Jacinto Mayor Leo de Vera said, “Natutuwa po kami na magbabalik ang atin pong mahal na congresswoman Manay Gina. Ang San Jacinto, ang Team De Vera ay 100 porsiyento po sa inyo.”

For his part, Manaoag Mayor Jeremy Rosario said, “Honestly, excited po kami sa pagbabalik ni Manay Gina. Parang babalik ang nanay namin sa 4th district. Mahal na mahal po namin s’ya.”