We might know him as the son of Senator Lito Lapid, the husband of actress Tanya Garcia or the former action star who once popularised this line “Saging lang ang may Puso…” For those who doesn’t watch it yet here’s a clip.
Little that we know, and silently crawling up in surveys, Mark Lapid is currently running in the senatorial race.
Earned the distinction as the youngest elected provincial chief executive of the country who, at twenty five, went on to steer the Province of Pampanga into one of the top ten performing provinces of the country. His youthful dynamism, remarkable governance and leadership brought about notable achievements which distinguished Pampanga in the field of Tourism, Trade and Investments.
Here are some of his notable Public Service profile;
- GM / Chief Operating Officer May 2009 to present
- Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority
- General Manager/COO July 2008 to May 2009
- Philippine Tourism Authority – Vice Chairman
- Pacific Area Travel Association July 2008 to present
- Governor July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2007 – Province of Pampanga
I personally don’t have an idea that he is running not until I was told about it. On an invitation to get to know Mark Lapid more was held at his very own restaurant at Pasig City near Capitol Commons – Locavore. It was my first time to dine in this place and surely I could say that I would go back, the sinigang, street food platter, and sisig was simply amazing! But let’s skip that one and proceed to the former Governors platforms.
Running under the ruling Liberal Party headed by President Benigno Aquino, who endorsed former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas as the party’s presidential candidate, Mark Lapid was proud to say that he personally applied to be part of the lineup, for the reason that his ideals and what he started as head of TIEZA was under Aquino’s term.
When ask about his platforms, Mark Lapid rapid answer – Tourism. Being affiliated in the Tourism Industry, Mark believes that tourism is the main strength of our country aside from the OFW.
“Why focus on tourism, because tourism creates job and creates livelihoods.” Mark Lapid added.
He also stresses that focusing on tourism doesn’t only refer to beaches and tourist spots, it also includes Agri-Tourism, Medical Tourism as well as Education. (Mark work in the tourism department for 7 years as the general manager of the Philippine tourism association from 2009 to last oct 2016.)
Shying away from showbiz talks, Mark Lapid compares himself from his dad;
“We are all aware kung ano yung issue sa tatay ko, ako rin alam ko din ho yun, pero sinasabi ko siguro, gusto kong ipakita na, tayo yung better version kung baga upgraded version ng father ko …“ Mark Lapid added.
His educational background and his accomplishments in the industry, he said, was the other things that makes him different from his dad.
Some of his other plans includes, connecting NAIA and Clark airports via train system, Peace and Order platforms, and other tourism related projects. He also is in favour of amending the law, supports the Anti-dynasty law as well as the Freedom of information bill.
He may have a strong survey result form the younger bracket, he said that social media will always have a big part in introducing him self to the public, thus he makes time to answer questions on his facebook account.
