Puerto Galera backs creation of new legislative district in Oriental Mindoro
PANALIGAN (left)
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro – The town council of Puerto Galera has urged Congress to reapportion the current first congressional district for the creation of a new district to achieve focused legislation and equitable resource distribution.
In a one-page resolution, the Sangguniang Bayan requested first district Rep. Arnan C. Panaligan to file a bill reapportioning a new district which will be composed of their town and the municipalities of Baco and San Teodoro as well as Calapan City.
These areas, they claimed, have met the population requirement of at least 250,000 people that qualifies them to create a separate legislative district.
Vice Mayor Rocky D. Ilagan said that Resolution No. 2025-10-259 received the unanimous vote of the council after Councilors Divina Gracia D. Paguio and Editha D. Armamento moved for its adoption and thru a mass sponsorship of the Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Legal Matters.
The council said these four areas, located in the northern part of Mindoro, have satisfied the constitutional requirement of a contiguous, compact, and adjacent territory, aside from the required number of registered dwellers.
At present, the first district comprises the four towns and the city and the towns of Naujan, Victoria, Pola, and Socorro.
“The creation of the new legislative district composed of Calapan City, Baco, San Teodoro, and Puerto Galera will ensure that the northern coastal and tourism corridor of the province receives more responsive representation especially on matters of tourism development, infrastructure improvement, environmental protection and disaster resilience," the resolution stated.
“Puerto Galera has been hailed as a consistent driver of economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable coastal development within the province,” the resolution said.
Ilagan, who is also the presiding officer of the council, said their initiative will also enhance Puerto Galera’s participation in legislative decision-making and access to national development programs.
Rep. Alfonso V. Umali Jr. of the second district said his area composed of seven towns will remain intact.