Mayor Carina Flores: Oton's 1st lady mayor
Among the multitudes of towns in Iloilo, Oton is one of the most dynamic. Situated 10.2 kilometers away from the city, it is home to more than 65,000 Ogtonganons (based on the 2000 census population). Its 37 barangays are equally rich. It is one of the three oldest pueblos in the country and the oldest in Panay.
The glorious developing economy of this humble town was the result of the achievements of the Ogtonganons through the years under known leaders. Nowadays, Oton continues to flourish under the governance of its first lady mayor - Honorable Carina Flores.
TNT was indeed privileged to have a rare opportunity to interview one of Iloilo's women-in-power. Mayor Carina Flores shared her stories on politics, her family, her beloved town Oton, and the most talked-about Katagman Festival.
On politics
Carina hails from the influential and political Veloso clan of Samar. Though she grew up with the air of politics around her, she never thought of landing in the same field her dad used to roam around. "I wasn't really interested."
A lawyer by profession, she worked at a law firm in Manila prior to transferring to Iloilo in 1987. In Iloilo, she became Oton's first lady mayor after the time of her husband, former Mayor Felix Flores.
In 1998, she succeeded her husband by winning the election with a mere 27 votes ahead the opposing candidate. "I wasn't supposed to be the candidate. It was the brother of my husband, the late Vicente Flores."
Vicente died of heart attack while he was delivering his speech for the senior citizens in December of 1997. With the party quite unprepared, the responsibility of running for mayor was passed on to Carina. It was not easy for her. The fact that she is not a naturally-born Ilonggo but a Waray made an impact on her candidacy. It became an issue almost causing her candidacy to fail. But the issue was overshadowed by the love of the Ogtonganons for her husband.
After her first and second terms, Carina once again run for the same position, this time winning by landslide votes against her opponents.
"I don't think that gender is a big issue. Being mayor is very difficult regardless if you're a male or a female," she remarked. "It is very rewarding [being a mayor] not financially but in the sense of self-fulfillment being in the service of your constituents," she added.
"I am a very compassionate person. I'm quite strict. What is right is right. I was even compared to the former mayor (her husband). But they [people working on her office] have adjusted. I am sensitive to their needs. Ayoko nang paligoy-ligoy," she explained.
Now on her eighth year in office, Mayor Flores wishes to quit politics after her last term. According to her, it's time to enjoy. "It's time to smell the roses."
On her family
Yes, Mayor Carina Flores is the mother of the famous balladeer Ding Dong Avanzado. Ding Dong is one of her four children from her first marriage. She too had a child from his marriage with former Mayor Flores.
"Ding Dong is happily married. He has found his match. He and Jessa are both compatible with each other in so many aspects. They are both home buddies. Simple people with simple likes," she proudly exclaimed.
She would visit her grandchildren including one from Ding Dong when she's in Manila though she admitted that her work often gives her a little time for her family.
On Oton
"Oton is peaceful and progressive town with very hospitable and fun-loving people," Mayor Flores elaborated.
When asked if there is any possibility that someday Oton will become a city, she answered that the town's very small area--8,456 hectares--could be their limitation. She said however that income-wise it is possible. "Although we have some advantages, considering that we are near the city, there are some disadvantages as well. For example, we cannot attract movie houses and establishments. They would rather invest on the city. But I am hoping that it will happen."
On Katagman Festival
On its first year in 2002, the festival was dubbed as Ogtonganon Festival. The municipal committee on Culture and Arts headed by Councilor Gil Olivares changed the name into Katagman in 2003. Katagman was derived from the name of an Islet in San Antonio, Oton. It was believed that Katagman was the center of commerce in the whole province of Iloilo in the past.
The National Committee on Culture and Arts even endorsed the holding of the festival recognizing the town's rich history.
"Through Katagman Festival we would like to implore to our children the importance of our history. They should know that May 3 is our Foundation Day."
Slowly, Katagman has become a tourist attraction. It is the perfect time for the balikbayans to come home for reunions. The festival showcases the talents of the Ogtonganons.
"It is merrier now. More people are participating. I don't have to tap them," The lady mayor exclaimed.
Truly, this year's Katagman Festival will spell success. Equipped with an opulent history, fertile soil, and a dedicated leader like Mayor Carina Flores, Oton definitely soars above all municipalities in the province of Iloilo.