Former Tarlac Governor and now Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap is taking on a more hands-on role in public service, shifting from macro-level governance to the daily concerns of city life.
Yap, who made history as the first governor elected mayor of Tarlac City, shared her experiences during the August edition of KapiHann, a monthly media forum hosted by the Pampanga Press Club in partnership with Hann Resorts at Swissotel Clark.
“It’s very micro,” Yap described the transition, noting that unlike her years in the Capitol where programs were province-wide in scale, she now directly deals with everyday issues such as traffic, garbage, and localized city operations.
She revealed that under the previous city administration, the budget was highly centralized — with funds lodged mostly under the Mayor’s office and little to none earmarked for individual departments. This setup, she said, is among the challenges she is addressing in the name of transparency and efficiency.
Arts, Culture, and Civic Engagement
While the Province of Tarlac continues to lead in arts and culture initiatives, Mayor Yap affirmed that the city government is fully supportive. A new wave of collaboration is also on the horizon as Governor Christian Yap’s wife, an artist, is expected to team up with designers to promote a fusion of art and fashion in Tarlac. The Ayala Group, known for its arts advocacy, has likewise expressed interest in participating in the upcoming Luzon Art Fair.
Yap also emphasized the importance of revitalizing community spaces, particularly the public market. “The palengke is where the community gets together,” she said. She envisions a market that showcases “generational products.”
The Mayor observed that the Carlos P. Romulo Library continues to draw 800 to 1,000 students daily. She hinted at the possibility of building another library and reaffirmed her goal of strengthening education to foster a self-reliant citizenry.
City Hall, Festival Changes, and Public Service
Mayor Yap disclosed that the Tarlac City Hall is in need of repair “to be more responsive to the times.” Currently, she holds office in a building across City Hall, a temporary setup as plans to refurbish the government center are explored.
She also noted that there may be a rebranding in the City’s festival to reflect a more contemporary identity for the city. Currently, the Pana Pana Festival, which honors San Sebastian, is celebrated.
Vision for a Sustainable and Inclusive Tarlac City
“We want to create an environment where people feel safe — where it’s a nice place to go to,” said Mayor Yap, laying out her broader vision of a safe, inclusive, and sustainable Tarlac City.
She stressed the importance of moving away from dependency on government assistance. “Ayuda is temporary. We want to teach people to live a life of dignity — to stand on their own and be proud,” she said. Social support will remain for those in need, particularly in health care, but the long-term goal is empowerment through livelihood and education.
Continuing with her vision for Tarlac City, Mayor Yap said “We want a place where people are free to roam, feel happy, and fulfilled.”
