Maria Laarni “Lani” Cayetano embodies the Filipina’s ability to steer a community towards greatness. Her leadership is focused on human capital investment, which she has proven to be an effective first step to economic development.
Mayor Lani has a Mass Communication degree from Centro Escolar University. She also studied Innovative and Developmental Local Governance and Policy Making for Local Chief Executives and Legislators at the University of the Philippines.
She was elected as the first female Congressional Representative of the First District of Taguig-Pateros. She proceeded to become the youngest and the first female Mayor of the City of Taguig. During her three terms, she prioritized programs that invests in Taguigeños’ health and education. She launched pioneer programs like door-to-door delivery of medicines and equipment; 24/7 doctors on call; and home visits of medical professionals to bedridden patients. She made tuition, school supplies, and uniforms free from day care to college. Through her initiative to significantly increase the budget for scholarships, Taguig produced over 58,000 scholars and more than 2,700 licensed professionals.
During the 18th Congress, then Representative Lani, together with her husband former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, authored notable legislations such as the National Academy of Sports Act and Department of Migrant Workers Act, among others.
In her return to the City Government of Taguig, Mayor Lani earned a renewed mandate to continue the good work of her administration. During her first 100 days in office, school principals, teachers, and non-teaching staff were given additional allowance. Job order and contract of service personnel of the city government were also given social security coverage. These initiatives and many more are steps towards making Taguig a Transformative, Lively, and Caring City.
