Agatha Paula "Agay" Aguilar Cruz (born October 1,1980) is a Filipino lawyer and politician who currently serves as the representative of the 5th District of Bulacan in the House of Representatives of the Philippines. She previously served as Mayor of Guiguinto,Bulacan from 2022 to 2025.[1]
Cruz graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce,majoring in Marketing Management,from De La Salle University,where her thesis on market research received a gold medal and earned her cum laude honors. She completed her postgraduate studies at the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law,graduating with second honors. She passed the bar in 2009 and became a lawyer.[2]
Career
Legal career
Before passing the bar examination in 2008,Cruz interned at the Romulo,Mabanta Buenaventura,Sayoc,and De Los Angeles law firm. She later worked at the Ponce,Enrile,Reyes &Manalastas law firm.[3]
Academic career
Cruz was invited by Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Law dean Mel Sta. Maria,her former professor at Ateneo,to join the faculty of the newly-opened law college. Despite the challenges of commuting daily from her native Bulacan to Manila and teaching evening classes while working as a municipal administrator,Cruz accepted the position and became a faculty member.[4]
Political career
Mayor of Guiguinto (2022–2025)
Cruz (left) at the 19th Singkaban Festival Singkaban Festival held at the Bulacan Provincial Capitol on September 9,2024
Cruz was elected Mayor of Guiguinto in 2022,succeeding her father Ambrosio Cruz,who was elected representative of Bulacan's 5th district.[5] During her tenure as mayor,she focused on health initiatives,infrastructure development,and environmental programs.[6]
House of Representatives (2025-present)
Cruz was elected as the representative of the 5th District of Bulacan,which covers the municipalities of Guiguinto,Balagtas,Pandi,and Bocaue. She switched places with her father. As a congresswoman,she has expressed her intention to play a major role in drafting provisions of the national budget for education and the Early Childhood Care and Development program. She also seeks strong oversight to monitor the implementation of Republic Act No. 11223 (Universal Health Care Act of 2019) and is pushing for detailed urban planning for her district based on the Climate Change Framework mandated by Republic Act No. 9729 (Climate Change Act of 2009).[7]
Advocacy and community work
Cruz founded the Presam Foundation Inc. in Guiguinto,named after her parents Prescila and Ambrosio. The foundation provides scholarships and advocates for women's causes. She also supports Bahay Pangarap Women's Foundation Inc. for abused young women and Tahanang Mapagkalinga ni Madre Rita for abandoned children.
She established the sectoral movement "Kaagapay sa Buhay," composed of young volunteer leaders who handle projects related to health,education,inclusivity,and environment. Cruz has organized various community programs including mass weddings (kasalang bayan) and serenades (harana) for persons with disabilities (PWDs),members of the LGBT community,and senior citizens.[2]
Political philosophy and goals
Cruz has expressed her vision of transforming Guiguinto into a progressive city,building upon her father's work in elevating it from a third-class to a first-class municipality. Her long-term goal includes making Guiguinto "the happiest place for a child to grow up in" through initiatives focusing on low crime rates,maternal nutrition,well-equipped educational facilities,flood control,employment opportunities,and technology advancement.
She cites Vico Sotto (Mayor of Pasig City) and Jacinda Ardern (former Prime Minister of New Zealand) as her role models in governance.[2]
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