'It's personal' — Tuguegarao councilor resigns after one year in office

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – Tuguegarao City Councilor Mariel Ayna Ting-Calimag has stepped down from her post after serving for a year, saying her decision was driven by personal circumstances and not by pressure.

In a social media post addressing speculation surrounding her resignation on July 14, Calimag said she spent considerable time "praying, reflecting, and talking with the people closest to me" before making her decision.

"To be honest, pressure is something that comes with any responsibility, especially in public service. It's never easy, and I knew that from the very beginning. But my resignation is not about running away from pressure. The truth is much simpler than what people think. It's personal," she wrote.

Although she did not elaborate on the specific reasons behind her resignation, Calimag said there were personal matters that now require her time, attention, and full commitment.

She expressed gratitude for the trust given to her by the people of Tuguegarao but said she did not want to continue serving if she could no longer give the position the dedication it deserves.

"Sa ngayon, I simply chose to prioritize what I believe is necessary for me personally. Hindi lahat ng personal reasons kailangang ipaliwanag sa publiko, but I hope people can understand that sometimes choosing yourself and your family doesn't mean you're giving up. It simply means you're being honest about where you are in life," she added.

Meanwhile, Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Ting-Que expressed support for Calimag's decision, commending her courage to prioritize her personal well-being and acknowledging her honesty in stepping down from public office.

"Masaya ako dahil sa totoo lang, she has been conflicted at alam kong nahihirapan na rin siyang gampanan ang kanyang tungkulin. May delicadeza siya. Marunong siyang bumitaw at hindi kumapit sa isang posisyon na sa tingin niya ay hindi na niya kayang gampanan nang buong-buo," the mayor said, as quoted by the Cagayan Provincial Information Office.

Calimag, a member of the National Unity Party, was elected as the 10th-ranking city councilor in the May 2025 local elections.