'Showdown' in the Capitol
Poetic lines and outright words of gratitude marked yesterday's showdown of maiden speeches in the Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP). This, as members of the 9th SP took turns in delivering inaugural address before a mixed audience of government workers and the public.
"Dressed to kill" in tailored-fit Barongs for the men and Filpiniana-inspired gowns for the women Board Members, the Session Hall was filled to capacity as local media came in full force to cover the event. While majority had a prepared script, Third District Board Member Arthur Defensor Jr. and Ex-Officio Board Member Jeneda Salcedo delivered impromptu speeches. Fifth District Board Member Jett Rojas for his part had a hand-written guide in a well-delivered speech that briefly touched on last week's speech of Governor Niel Tupas.
Yet it was to be Second District Board Member Rodolfo "Boy" Cabado who got the most in applause and audience impact. Titled "A verse for the opening of 9th Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Iloilo," Board Member Cabado delivered with eloquence and utmost smoothness.
"Of course we had winners and losers as in all elections, some truly deserving; well, some by a little force, a little fraud, or a little of some other consideration. And the rest, perhaps, by sheer fortune or misfortune," excerpts of Board Member Cabado's speech went as he continued, "There were again those who relied on popularity and reputation, on family, friends, clubs and connections, those who stood on their record of performance, projects and positive public perception – though more often than not, competence is canceled by cash and confidence and love are lost in the quagmire of competition."
The "verse" continued with questions raised by Cabado, "Which are we? What are we? Perhaps it matters not. For God has made the sun to shine both upon the righteous and the unrighteous, and it is not for us to judge without inviting the same judgment to befall us."
The speeches were done per district represented by the board members starting off from the Fifth District down to the First District. Final speech was made by Presiding Chair, Vice Governor Rolex Suplico who spoke about his work for the province during his term as Fifth District Congressman.
The Vice Governor made particular mention of the multi-million road project in northern Iloilo, the construction of which he personally worked for. It was to be the same road project built years ago during the stint of his uncle, then Fifth District Congressman and now Governor Tupas.
Fourth District Board Members George Demaisip and Shalene Palmares-Hidalgo similarly thanked supporters for the most part of their speeches. Such alongside the promise to work hard in being the voice of the district in the Capitol.
Same message of thanks from reelected First District Board Member Mac Napulan who expressed his gratitude for the fresh mandate he got.
Meanwhile, teamwork was the main message of Third District Board Member Arthur Defensor Jr., as he appealed for support and cooperation. Defensor Jr. is the Majority Floor Leader.
Longtime Capitol employees who worked under the administration of his father, Defensor Sr. were all smiles listening to his speech saying from the looks of it, Defensor Jr. is an asset to the provincial board.
Fellow Third District Board Member Mar Malones took his turn to thank his constituents while vowing to work as hard as he did when he was Mayor of Maasin, Iloilo. To Malones's credit are numerous development projects and programs in Maasin that got further recognition for said town.
While it would a be "She and I" program thrust for Second District June Mondejar representing priorities he will pursue including health and education.
Ex-Officio Board Member Angelo Briones had his maiden speech seemingly his valedictory speech as well.
Briones in his usual candor said advance "farewell" saying his months in public office are numbered with his term as Provincial Federation President of the Liga ng mga Barangay about to end.
Yesterday's session started on time.