Tupas calls for unity in new SP
Iloilo Governor Niel D. Tupas, Sr. called for unity and harmonious relationship among the new members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) which will assume office on July 1.
This was stressed by Tupas during the oathtaking and welcome-and-farewell party for incoming and outgoing board members.
Tupas also reiterated that even though the present SP members belong to different party affiliations "we should ascend to our individual differences and be ready to develop sense of camaraderie."
"What's more important is that we live up to our oath of office," the governor stressed.
"Each of us abides by our principles. However, if there is conflict, there is a need to compromise," The governor added.
He also thanked the SP members for being supportive to him during his first and second terms for bringing development to the province.
SP Secretary Atty. Lorenzo Tubola welcomed all newly elected SP members in behalf of outgoing Vice Governor Roberto Armada and urged then to promote unity in diversity for good governance and for the good of the people of the province as he noticed that the members belong to different party affiliations.
The out-going board members, namely, Bernardo Silla (1st district); Cecilia Capadosa (2nd district); Manny Gallar and Ellery Gaje (3rd district); Romeo Palmares and Domingo Oso (4th district) and Niel Tupas, Jr and Eric Barbosa (5th district) were given due recognition for their outstanding performance as member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo and their invaluable contribution in the field of public service.
Both Capadosa and Tupas ran for a congressional post but only Tupas Jr. made it. In her speech, Capadosa said "this is not goodbye and said she hopes to comeback."
The 9th Sanggunian is composed of newly elected Vice Governor Rolex Suplico, Board Members Richard Garin Jr and Macario Napulan (1st); June Mondejar and Rodolfo Cabado (2nd); Arthur Defensor, Jr and Mariano Malones (3rd); Shalene Hidalgo and George Demaisip (4th); and Jett Rojas and Jesus Salcedo, Jr (5th). Of the 10 elected BMs, only Hidalgo, Cabado and Mondejar are affiliated with Gov. Tupas.
The ex-officio members are: Lilia Gonzalez (Councilors League); Jeneda Salcedo (SK); and Angel Briones (Association of Brgy. Captains.)
Tupas said the presence of the minority and majority groups are signs of a healthy democratic society.
(Gina Angela H. Celebria)