Rep. Joseph Lara (3rd District, Cagayan) and wife, Dra. Zarah Lara. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

By VINCE JACOB  A. VISAYA, The Manila Times News Correspondent

TUGUEGARAO CITY-Dra. Zarah Lara, a 54-year-old medical doctor, has filed her candidacy for governor on Sunday (October 3) at the Commission on Elections provincial office in this city.

Lara is hoping to end the term of incumbent Governor Mamba, who is eyeing a third consecutive and final term as governor.

Her husband, incumbent 55-year-old Rep. Joseph “Jojo” Lara, has filed his COC for reelection as congressman of the third district.

The incumbent congressman is the regional head of the political party.

Both ran under the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban under Cusi Wing and President Duterte.   Congressman Lara, speaking in behalf of his soft-speaking wife, told reporters that Zarah is the “binding force” of his family and their construction business years back.

The woman doctor would prioritize building hospitals and facilities for healthcare.

Calling his wife as the “glue” in all of the problems and hitches in the family, Dra. Zarah has always been a leader not only in the medical profession but also in their businesses.

“She is constant reminding me to have healthcare as one of the priorities since I started serving as congressman. This is a beginning of a history,” he added.  

Congressman Lara said Dra. Zarah has been constantly updating him on the updates and medical approaches on coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are in public service because we would like to serve and unite with other leaders with respect. We do not want to engage in a useless fight. We are in public service because we want progress, peace and order as we turn the tide against pandemic,” he added.#