15 Iloilo mayors begin civilian life
A total of fifteen Iloilo mayors, majority in public office for at least nine years mark the first week of "civilian" life today.
From multi-awarded former Concepcion Mayor Raul Banias of the Fifth District to highly-controversial former Tigbauan Mayor Myrna Torres of the First District, it would literally be a fresh start on the governance and town administration of these fifteen Iloilo towns.
In Batad, Iloilo, some 120 kilometers north of Iloilo City, it will be back to "civilian" life for former Mayor Pedro Alarcon. The town's leadership is now under his with wife, Elvira "Inday Little" Alarcon.
The lady mayor took her oath Saturday with the new set of town officials inside the town's Church following the Thanksgiving mass attended by hundreds of locals.
"Transparency: The vehicle for good governance" was the battle cry of the new Alarcon administration. This, as former Mayor Pedro spent his last official minutes as the town's chief executive commending the people for the choices made during the May polls. The now-ex mayor also called for continued support of the barangay officials and residents saying Batad is ready for more progress and bigger developments.
The former mayor "graduated with honors," spending a total of 15 years in government service starting off his first term as Batad vice mayor. He then became mayor, consistently winning every elections until his last term that ended Saturday.
Asked on future plans, the former mayor quipped, "civilian naman ta. Manegosyo na lang ko gamay-gamay. Pero ara sa gihapon ang pagbulig naton sa aton kasimanwa. (We are civilians again. I will just get into some small business investments. But we are still here to help our people.)."
After Saturday's oathtaking, the former mayor was seen making the rounds, inviting the locals to join and have lunch in the Thanksgiving Party held at the public plaza. By early afternoon, he went back to his house, a few meters away from the town hall as he warmly greeted guests saying "civilian na gid 'ta (We are really civilians now)"
He was also duly recognized by all incoming officials, particularly by his wife who gave him credit for "a job very well done."
Other graduating mayors include Estancia's Rene Cordero, Anilao's Joel Debuque, Calinog's Alex Centena, Miag-ao's Gerry Flores and Lambunao's Ignacio Ramirez Jr.
Other Iloilo towns with new mayors such as Guimbal in the First District and Ajuy in the First District will also have new mayors. However the former mayors here will see more government action and service as provincial officials.
Guimbal will now have Mayor Christine Garin, younger sister of former Mayor Richard Garin who officially starts his duties in the Capitol as First District Board Member. The same new tasks for former Ajuy Mayor Jett Rojas who was elected as one of the two board members of the Fifth District.