Thursday, July 05, 2007 Ibuyan admits campaign trail scared, tired him By Ben O. Tesiorna
CAMPAIGNING all over the first district, and shaking hands with a lot of people left neophyte City Councilor Edgar Ibuyan shaken, and barely able to catch his breath.
"This is something that I will never forget all my life. For, while those who have tried their luck and did not make it found the road to victory with much difficulty, I, on the other hand, sailed smoothly, although, I must admit that the campaign sorties, particularly the hand-shaking activities, were so nerve-wracking and left me catching my breath. I had to shed off a few kilos but it's alright as it was good for the heart," Ibuyan said.
Ibuyan thanked Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for the chance to serve not just his village constituents but the whole of the first district. He also encouraged other village captains to do well in serving the people and, who knows, they might become city councilors in the near future too.
It was Duterte who pushed Ibuyan to run in the council race.
In last Tuesday's first session of the 15th City Council, Ibuyan formally committed to give half his salary for the education of poor students in the city.
In his inaugural speech, the new councilor said he intends to address the problem on health and on how to give more power to the village units and increase their level of participation on the local and national governance.
"Makalaom kamo nga tiunay ug matinud-anon nga panirbisyo ang akong ibalos kaninyo (You can expect sincere service from me)," Ibuyan said.
The former Bankerohan village captain said he never expected to become a city councilor saying that he was already contented with his being a village captain.
