By Anthony A. Araos

Former Baguio City congressman and mayor Mauricio Domogan is positioning the cities inhabitants to be beneficiaries of a master-planned development agenda in the 20th Congress.
“I only wish I’m given another opportunity to serve our beloved people,” he said in an exclusive interview.
He just loves Baguio City! Domogan, also a lawyer, has a lot of forward-looking plans for the city. “The janitor,” his signature catch phrase for himself, is back competing for a job on May 12, 2025. “I still love Baguio City,” he stressed. To backers, it has lots of merit. “We shall vote for the Janitor,” a youthful voter of Barangay Loakan Apugan said.
Folks themselves can’t get enough of his kindheartedness, generosity and compassion, most especially to the needy. “I decided that helping poor people was my calling,” he quipped. But the true gift, the gift of leadership is the fact that Domogan is always approachable and friendly.
Truth to tell, Domogan intends to revisit the past, reinvigorate the present and reinvent for the future.
He intends to pursue development concerns to become catalysts for growth, priming up sectors where they would be prioritized and promoting and hastening countryside development. In this sense, for Atty. Domogan, running for the much-contested seat for representative at the lower chamber of Congress, is a giant step in an electoral exercise with stakes so high for the city and the nation. Yet, to this day, many folks- young and old alike are still indifferent to ongoing developments. Consequences of the “right political preference” on Election Day are extremely high, though.
Not that it matters much to Domogan, who served for nine years at the House of Representatives, to advance the welfare of the people in the present times. He is eyeing their well-being in the future. The times surely demand it, because nothing else is certain in uncertain times.
A myriad of doubts, questions and criticisms were thrown his way, but never was he discouraged. Indeed, Atty. Domogan ignored them. These instead ignited his endless passion to serve.
That’s right, Domogan is ready and willing to squarely take on longstanding issues in the city and the Philippines.
Perhaps, the economic recovery issue is on top of the list. This simply means fueling economic growth and stability. Poverty, joblessness and the high cost of living are causing a deep and lasting impact on the Filipino people. In Barangay Irisan, there is still misery and hunger, a poor resident cried: “There’s too much suffering, I wished I had never been born.” It is for this reason that Congress plays a key role in accelerating the return of the country’s economy to the pre-COVID pandemic level. The people’s confidence stems from the provision of funds for essential needs. To make funds available for responsive initiatives, Congress ensures the timely passage of the General Appropriations Act, or the national budget. The GAA is a very important piece of legislation, and acted through the political will of the chief executive.
Congress is also expected to work closely with the Executive Department to ensure the swift and timely enactment of vital pieces of legislation aimed at helping the country navigate through and emerge stronger in 2025 and beyond. It also passes priority measures of the President, most of them in recognition of the present demands of underserved sectors thus, propelling economic growth.
The reopening of businesses in urban and rural areas should signal preferential treatment for MSMEs. Pass laws to empower small and medium enterprises to thrive in the digital economy. At the end of the day, it shall consolidate the fragmented and disparate delivery of public goods and services. If indeed enterprises are the top priority of the national government, congressional leaders should show how to understand, measure and enhance the value of business owners. Micro, small and medium enterprises, which comprise a majority of business enterprises nationwide, may not be able to survive the difficult times. Sink or swim, the times are very tough. It is not a good idea to ignore them.
What are the other most important concerns for Atty. Domogan to do if he gets elected? Yes, there is tourism, education and senior citizens, among others. Take a moment to think of these matters in the midst of societal challenges.
Be assured that Atty. Domogan, who also served as the city’s mayor for several terms, cares for the people’s welfare. Our discussions ranged from solid waste management, BLISTT plan, regional autonomy, boundary dispute resolution, city charter controversies, ancestral land claims and the 19 conditionalities related to the Camp John Hay row. It surely offered an opportunity to transform life in the nation’s summer capital. I firmly believe that it is essential to have a “congressman” who is brave enough to face these issues.
I have a gut feeling that Atty. Domogan shall figure in a debate with his formidable rivals during the campaign period. Let us, therefore, heat up exchanges on the pros and cons of key local and national issues as the contenders are to be tried and tested in the nation’s highest legislative mill.
Many are constantly missing Domogan’s presence at the House of Representatives and the long years only compounds the longing. I didn’t dare imagine what might happen if Domogan has chosen not to run. Undeniably, Atty. Domogan is a tried and tested leader, and that is all that matters. The future is pointing towards the legislator who is adept at crafting laws well-attuned to the times and needs of the people.**