ILOILO – Elected local officials will take their oath of office today before Sen. Sonny Angara at the provincial capitol on Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City.
The ceremony will be austere.
“We’ll have our speeches, we will take our oath. It’s going to be a simple affair. Ma-focus lang gid sa oath-taking naton,” said Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. who is poised to begin his second term on June 30.
Angara as the administering officer of the oath-taking is an inspired choice. Aside from being a close friend, said Defensor, the senator has helped Iloilo province tremendously.
“Damo sia binulig sa aton diri,” said Defensor, such as in the improvement of various district hospitals and the Iloilo Provincial Hospital.
Angara is the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. He is expected to deliver an inspirational message during the oath-taking ceremony.
Before the oath-taking, there will be a Mass at 8:30 a.m.
After the oath-taking is the reception at Casa Real de Iloilo (Old Provincial Capitol).
Aside from Defensor and Vice Gov. Christine Garin, also taking their oath are Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members. They are:
* 1st District – Valentine Serag, Carmelo Nochete
* 2nd District – June Mondejar, Rolito Cajilig
* 3rd District – Matt Palabrica, Jason Gonzales
* 4th District – Domingo Oso Jr., Rolly Distura
* 5th District – Binky Tupas, Carol V. Espinosa-Diaz
Defensor said his brother, Cong. Lorenz Defensor of the 3rd District, and several municipal officials will also take their oath of office before Angara.
GUV’S PLANS FOR NEXT 3 YEARS
Responses to the ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic will be sustained and improved, particularly in the 12 district hospitals and the Iloilo Provincial Hospital.
“Ang pagpapag-on sang healthcare system gusto naton tagaan sang attention,” said Defensor.
The agriculture sector will also be prioritized, he added, specifically irrigation projects.
For her part, Vice Governor Garin said the SP will be a partner of the governor.
“I will do my best. Bal-an man ninyo ang amon partnership. Indi gid magpalibog si Guv. Biskan we are from different political parties, kon sa obrahanay ya, ini para man sa probinsya,” said Garin./PN
