Baybay city: The city of Baybay in Leyte is mourning the passing of former mayor and Leyte 5th District Representative Carmen Cari, who is remembered as the 'Mother of Baybay City.'
According to Philippines News Agency, the city government expressed profound sadness over Cari's death, honoring her decades of dedication to public service and her contributions to the Baybay community. Cari was remembered as a woman of strength, compassion, and wisdom whose commitment to serving the people of Baybay left a lasting mark on the city.
"Her passing is a great loss to Baybay City and to the many lives she touched through her years of public service," said the city government, headed by her son, Jose Carlos. Cari is an incumbent city councilor of Baybay and president of the Philippine Councilors League - Leyte chapter.
She served as Leyte's 5th District representative from 2001 to 2009, completing three consecutive terms. As a lawmaker, Cari lobbied for the conversion of Baybay from a municipality into a city through Republic Act 9389, which took effect on June 16, 2007.
She returned to local politics, serving as mayor for three terms from 2010 to 2019. She later continued serving her hometown, winning as a councilor in the 2022 and 2025 elections.
