Misamis vice guv formally declares gubernatorial plan

TRUE to his promise, Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Norris Babiera officially announced Monday his intention to run as governor of the province in next year’s midterm elections.

Babiera’s declaration was made during a flag raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Ground.

“The achievements of Governor Oscar Moreno are impossible to follow. My feet are not big enough to fit in his shoes. He has cast a very long shadow in Misamis Oriental,” Babiera said.

The vice governor emphasized that the decision is not easy as he will be fighting the perceived scion of a known and well entrenched political family in the province and in the city.

Babiera said that in the last nine years of his 35 years in government service, he was privileged to be given a chance to be part of Moreno’s administration.

He said they succeeded in bringing about changes in the lives of the people of Misamis Oriental and in bringing the government closer to the people despite the ups and downs, particularly the political roadblocks of the traditional kind along the way.

“This is the challenge our party, the Liberal Party, and the administration of President Benigno Aquino III has bequeathed on me and I am one who doesn’t shirk from a challenge,” Babiera said.

The vice governor urged the people of Misamis Oriental to sustain and continue the gains they had achieved under the Moreno administration in the same way that they have to also improve and learn from their mistakes as the alternative choice.

Provincial Board Member Geodiguil Ursal said it is Babiera’s rights to seek higher position.

“He already knows how to manage the province because of his long stint of service and he deserves it,” Ursal told Sun.Star. (ALR)