Former Rep. Gina V.P. de Venecia, popularly known as Manay Gina, officially filed her Certificate of Candidacy for congresswoman of the fourth district of Pangasinan on Sunday, October 6.
HOUSE COMEBACK – Former congresswoman Gina de Venecia (inset photo) is seeking a return to Congress after her son Pangasinan fourth district Rep. Christopher de Venecia filed, in her behalf, her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Dagupan City office on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. Gina de Venecia will be running for the post that will be vacated by her son, who is on his last term.
Her COC was filed in her behalf by her son, incumbent Pangasinan fourth district Rep. Christopher “Toff” de Venecia, at the Commission on Elections provincial office in Dagupan City.
She is running under the Lakas-CMD political party headed by House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Manay Gina thanked the people of the fourth district of Pangasinan for their continued support to her family’s public service legacy.
Her husband, former Speaker Jose C. de Venecia Jr., 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 was elected congresswoman in the 15th (2010 to 2013) and 16th (2013 to 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 said.
She plans to champion the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as nurture local tourism, arts, and culture.
Manay Gina introduced her campaign philosophy 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 the crest of the remarkable legislative track record of her son, Christopher, who is recognized as a champion of creative industries.
She is a notable advocate for abused women, street children, and abandoned senior citizens and established three national welfare institutions: The Haven for Women, The Haven for Children, and The Haven for the Elderly.
Manay Gina has strong support from all mayors in the fourth district of Pangasinan in her congressional bid.
Mayor Belen Fernandez of Dagupan City expressed enthusiasm on working with her again. “I am very excited kasi makakatrabaho ko uli si Manay. Alam ninyo noong ako ay naging councilor, vice mayor, at mayor, partners na kami talaga.”
(I am very excited to work with Manay Gina. We were partners when I was councilor, vice mayor, and mayor)
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 fourth district, especially dito sa Mangaldan. Walang makakapantay sa mga De Venecia. Kami ay ‘G na G na sa Mangaldan.”
(We are very much open to Manay Gina’s candidacy. She is tried and tested in Mangaldan. Nobody would top the De Venecias. We are ‘G na G na sa Mangaldan’)
“Very welcome po siya dahil alam kong ipagpapatuloy niya ang programa ni former Speaker Joe de Venecia at ‘yung mga serbisyong binibigay ng mahal nating si Congressman Toff,” Mayor Marlyn Agbayani of San Fabian said.
(She is very much welcome because she will continue the programs of former Speaker Joe de Venecia and our beloved Congressman Toff)
“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,” San Jacinto Mayor Leo de Vera said.
(We are happy that Congresswoman Manay Gina is returning. The town of San Jacinto, Team de Vera, is 100 percent supportive of her)
Manaoag Mayor Jeremy Rosario said: “Honestly, excited po kami sa pagbabalik ni Manay Gina. Parang babalik ang nanay namin sa fourth district. Mahal na mahal po namin siya.”
(We are excited for Manay Gina’s return. We love her)