Young Fil-Am woman named mayor of Daly City

Councilor Juslyn Manalo being sworn in as mayor by Assembly Member Phil Ting. INQUIRER/Rose Paquette

DALY CITY, California — A Filipino American woman city councilor made history Monday, December 11, when she was named by a three-member council board as the new mayor of this city, which has a huge Filipino population.

New mayor Juslyn Manalo was chosen unopposed and sworn in during a turnover ceremony at the city council’s chamber, replacing incumbent Mayor Glenn R. Sylvester, ending his one-year watch. She is the first Filipino American woman to be occupy the post.

Councilmember Raymond Buenaventura is the new the vice-mayor. Councilmembers Judith Christensen and Michael Guingona were absent during the nomination and turnover rites.

Daly City Council Member now Mayor Juslyn Manalo. INQUIRER/Rose Paquette

“This moment is surreal and something special to me,” Mayor Manalo said immediately after being sworn into office by State Assembly Member Phil Ting, (19th Assembly Dist.). “I thank the community and every single person here who put me (in the position).“

Manalo told INQUIRER.NET that her priority is to focus on the economic development of Daly City, “particularly, hotels, business offices, housing and human services.”

“I am so thankful for this opportunity; it brings forth new ideas to boost the city’s economy and housing development opportunities, “ Manalo said.

A ‘people person’

The mayor’s family attended the ceremony at City Hall — her mother, Josefina, and father, Carlito, were seated in front with the audience along with her sister, Carley Ann, and Manalo’s husband, El Palamo.

Mommy Josie, Carlito Manalo, sister Carley-Ann and Mayor Manalo’s husband, El Palamo, waiting for the turnover ceremony to unfold. INQUIRER/Rose Paquette

During an exclusive interview, Mommy Josie, as she is commonly called, recalled the mayor’s humble beginnings and community participation.

“My daughter was actively involved in community service during her school days, “according to ‘Mommy Josie’ Manalo. “She graduated with a degree in Asian American Studies and Public Administration from the San Francisco State University.

Born and schooled in San Francisco from pre-school to college, 37-year old Juslyn, is a real “ people-person” even when she was a small child, said her mom. “She would share her meal with her classmates and showed a deep understanding of poverty.

Citizen of the Year Award goes to Sonia Reyes, between Assembly Member Phil Ting and former Mayor Glenn Sylvester. INQUIRER/Rose Paquette

Mommy Josie added that Juslyn was a former cheerleader and currently,the chairwoman of SamTrans Bus.

City officials back Manalo

San Mateo County Supervisor David J. Canepa told this INQUIRER.NET that “We are witnessing a reorganization where I see that she has more potential. “

“I think she’s gonna make history tonight, “Canepa said, while describing Manalo as “level-headed and very good.“

Outgoing Mayor, Glenn Sylvester, meanwhile, said: “I have complete confidence in her; we have the same projects and ideas and I believe she will continue the plan toward more affordable housing, more retail (stores) to provide revenue and raise the city’s minimum wage to $12 an hour. “

Vice-mayor Buenventura, for his part, said that Manalo “is more than capable in doing this job. I am ready to support her.”