Alfred Vargas is a man of Action and Vision. Many may know him for his celebrity status as a sought-after, FAMAS-winning actor, who has graced movies and television shows, but beyond that, he is recognized for his “starring role” as a public servant.

A three-term Representative and legislative topnotcher, Alfred’s public service career formally started in 2010, when he was elected a member of the City Council. Afterwards, he was elected as the inaugural Representative of the Fifth District in the 16^th Congress and continued to serve until the 18^th Congress.

His commitment to serve, however, predates his tenure as an incumbent Councilor. He attributes his early inspiration to his mother: “I was inspired by my desire to be a part of effective positive change – one nurtured by my mother, who served as a government lawyer and was known for her compassion and exemplary dedication,” reflects Alfred. Recognizing his calling to public service, he ensured that he was well-prepared. After completing a degree in Management Economics at the Ateneo de Manila University, he pursued a Master of Public Administration degree at the University of the Philippines (UP) National College of Public Administration and Governance. He is currently completing his Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning from the UP School of Urban and Regional Planning, towards a doctorate degree in the field. From the outset of his public service career, Alfred has stood as a staunch advocate for the marginalized and the underserved. He has advocated for landmark local and national laws. He expressed that he was always stood by the creed that “Service to humanity is the best work of life.”

In Quezon City, he was the author of the ordinance establishing the Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), a landmark measure that has since been mainstreamed across the country. On his return to the Quezon City Council in 2022, he wasted no time in making an impact. One of his initial accomplishments was to institutionalize the QCity Bus Program, which now caters to tens of thousands of passengers daily and has not only improved transportation accessibility but also provided significant savings for commuters.

Alfred’s advocacy for raising the social protection floor in Congress led to the filing of 1,237 measures aimed at addressing various societal challenges and the passage of 93 laws, among them, the National Integrated Cancer Control Act. Recently, Alfred has authored the Quezon City Integrated Cancer Control Act (QCICCO), which is the first in the country to locally mandate a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach to cancer.

Looking ahead, Alfred remains steadfast to his commitment to advocating for a more resilient and inclusive society. With a background in public administration and urban planning, he envisions strengthening Filipino communities and championing inclusive resiliency, especially in the face of climate change—making sure no one is left behind.

Asked about his driving force behind his public service endeavors, Alfred shares that it is his family.

“The family is a source of unconditional love – nurturing us to be the best versions of ourselves, inspiring us to serve with even greater passion and compassion. I always praise our Almighty for He has blessed me through my family and my bigger family – our nation,” Alfred shares.