Susan Yap

Susan Areno Yap-Sulit is a Filipino politician who is the mayor of Tarlac City since 2025. She served as the 32nd governor of Tarlac in the Philippines from 2016 to 2025. She previously represented the 2nd district of Tarlac in the Philippine House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016. Yap is a member of the NPC, the older sister of former governor Victor Yap and the daughter of former governor Jose “Aping” Yap Sr.

Early life and education

Susan Areno Yap was born on November 3, 1964, in Quezon City to Jose Yap Sr. and Zenaida Areno. She was raised in San Jose, Tarlac. She studied University of the Philippines Diliman with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics. Yap continued her studies at the Ateneo de Manila University where she obtained a degree of Business Management.
Yap attended the Asian Institute of Management where she finished the course of Finance and Condominium Management.

Political career

House of Representatives (2010–2016)

Yap began her political career in 2010, following the death of her father, Jose “Aping” Yap Sr. She was elected to represent the 2nd district of Tarlac in the Philippine House of Representatives, serving until 2016. During her tenure, she focused on legislative initiatives aimed at improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure in her district.

Governor of Tarlac (2016–2025)

In 2016, Yap was elected as the governor of Tarlac, succeeding her brother, Victor Yap. She was re-elected in 2019 and 2022.

Mayor of Tarlac City (2025–present)

In 2025, Yap became a mayor of Tarlac City after she beat Victor Angeles, the husband of Cristy Angeles over 3,536 votes.

Personal life

She is the daughter of former governor and former congressman Jose “Aping” Yap Sr. and comes from a prominent political family in Tarlac. Her brothers include Victor Yap, a former governor and former congressman, and Jose Yap Jr., a former mayor of San Jose.