Who’s Who in Bataan – CAROLINA NAVAL BELTRAN

CAROLINA NAVAL BELTRAN was the fifth vice governor of Bataan, from 1980 to 1986. She is acknowledged as the Mother of the Economic Support Fund (ESF) projects in Bataan.

“Lina” Beltran was born on December 26, 1931. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at the National Teachers College in Manila. Her initial assignment as a public school teacher was in Kitang, Limay. Thereafter, she was transferred to the Balanga Elementary School.

Her marriage to Remigio Beltran of Tortugas led to the establishment of the family-owned Carbel Restaurant in Barangay Ibayo. The business venture flourished and led to the formal set up of the RC Beltran Enterprises. The company managed the development of several low-cost subdivision projects in many parts of the province, such as Maria Lourdes Subdivision (in Balanga) and Mountain View Village (Mariveles), to name a few.

The Beltran couple was responsible for the establishment of the first luxurious and fully air-conditioned commercial center in Balanga, the Recar Shopping Mall (currently known as Puregold Supermarket-Balanga). The complex opened on October 23, 1981. Movie stars Alma Moreno and Gabby Concepcion were the surprise guests.

Due to her immense popularity and financial capability, Lina Beltran was picked out as runningmate of Governor Efren B. Pascual during the 1980 local elections. Backed by the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan political machinery, the Pascual-Beltran ticket won at the polls overwhelmingly.The fall of the Marcos regime in 1986, however, led to the purging of almost all incumbent government officials, to include Pascual and Beltran.

Lina Beltran attempted a political comeback in 1988 by running for the mayoralty position of Balanga. But against Mayor Melanio Banzon Jr., Beltran’s bid proved unsuccessful. Her second defeat came in 1992 when she ran again for mayor against Banzon. From then on, she stayed away from active political participation and allowed her son, Emmanuel, carry on the family’s political career.

The late Carolina and Remegio Beltran had seven children: Maria Theresa, Maria Elizabeth, Remegio Jr., Melencio, Emmanuel (currently a provincial board member), Maria Concepcion and Maria Lourdes.