Baldo’s wife to run for mayor

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

ROMELLA “Lhal” Apuli-Baldo, wife of Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, stepped into the political spotlight on Tuesday, filing her certificate of candidacy for mayor alongside her party mates from Lakas-CMD. Contrary to her usual sweet and shy image, Lhal presented herself as a strong contender for the mayoral post.

Wearing a white blouse and beige pants, Lhal, a first-time mother, exuded confidence and maturity as she addressed her political supporters and the media during a press conference at the Daraga covered court.

She was accompanied by her mother-in-law, Gloria Go-Baldo, a long-time businesswoman and exporter of abaca products; her brother-in-law, Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin G. Baldo; and her sister-in-law, Camalig Vice-Mayor Maria Ahrdail “Ding” G. Baldo.

A legal management graduate, Romella pledged to continue her husband’s legacy, focusing on healthcare services, social welfare, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development.

When asked about her decision to run, she explained it stemmed from public demand following Mayor Carlwyn Baldo’s imprisonment over allegations of involvement in the December 22, 2022 assassination of Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe.

“I decided to run in response to the call to continue my husband’s good work. During his two years as mayor, he initiated many projects that significantly contributed to Daraga’s development. If elected, I will continue these advocacies and policies,” she said.

Mayor Baldo’s key initiatives include the Arangkada Banwa Mobile Lab and Clinic, the first of its kind in the Bicol Region, providing free healthcare services, especially to remote areas, and the Arangkada Banwa Caravan, which delivers social, medical, and legal services to underserved communities.

In addition to continuing her husband’s programs, Lhal plans to launch “Arangkada Kabuhayan,” a sustainable livelihood initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for Daraga’s residents.

“Our household profiling revealed that economic instability is the most pressing issue. As a wife and mother, I understand the critical role women play in breaking the cycle of poverty in their families. We can address this by strengthening social safety nets for vulnerable groups,” she said.

Lhal emphasized the importance of empowering marginalized women and the elderly through cooperative establishments in each barangay, fostering economic, social, and personal growth.

“As an advocate of science-based policymaking, I believe that livelihood interventions should be aligned with the people’s needs. By equipping marginalized sectors with knowledge, skills, and resources, we can transform them into active agents of change within their communities,” she added.

When asked about her priorities, she highlighted her commitment to addressing climate change in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and improving the town’s water system, as many of the pipelines are defective.

If elected, Lhal would become Daraga’s first female mayor. Coming from a business-oriented family, she previously served as the chief finance officer of DM RDA Corp from 2014-2021, president of DM RDA Ice Corp from 2016-2018, and as her husband’s executive assistant. She has also trained at Harvard Business School, the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), and the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance.

During the event, Lhal, along with OIC Mayor Junjie Juacian and members of the Sangguniang Bayan, raised their hands in a show of solidarity.

Daraga town mayoral candidate Romella “Lhal” Apuli-Baldo raises her hands along with her party mates: OIC Mayor Junjie Juacian and members of the Sangguniang Bayan. (Rhaydz B. Barcia)