ELEANOR DIMAPORO LANTUD, 47, the first Muslim woman to be elected mayor in Lanao del Norte, is running for governor after serving Pantao Ragat town for three terms.
“I am seeking the post because I want to see changes in Lanao del Norte,” she said.
Running under the Liberal Party, Eleanor cited the province’s current challenges and her vision to improve it.
“Crime is a problem in the municipalities,” she said.
“Cooperation from the stakeholders—the local leaders, datus and bais—and coordination with the National Police, the Armed Forces are essential. These groups should assist each other.”
Major infrastructure needs improvement, especially in such towns such as Nununungan and Tangkal where roads are practically impassable. Only four-wheel drives can traverse these roads. Lantud adds that provincial engineers should give priority providing equipment for provincial projects, instead of renting them out to private contractors.
The provincial jail, which was originally built for 80 persons, is operating beyond its capacity. “With 350 prisoners, we need to build an annex,” she added.
Domestic violence and abuse of women and children are unreported. “There is no place for them to go. We need a provincial center for these victims with the coordination of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.”
To enrich the intellectual life of the people, Lantud hopes for a provincial library in the capitol. “It would be a one-stop shop for people to research to help them in their professions.”
On the construction of a coal-fired power plant in Kauswagan, Lantud believes that there should be measures to protect the environment and the interests of the local community.
Bai Eleanor also wishes to see better health and improved sanitation and clean surroundings. She says that providing hygiene programs under the Department of Health would teach people to guard against unhealthy lifestyle habits.