SAN Luis three-term mayor and now Councilor Venancio “Asyong” Macapagal is set to assume his post in the Pampanga Provincial Board after being elected as president of of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Pampanga Chapter.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Pampanga director Myrvi Fabia, who chaired the PCL Commission on Elections, pronounced Macapagal as the new president during election held on Friday, August 9, at Kingsborough International Convention Center in the City of San Fernando.

Macapagal was supposed to run against Apalit Councilor Jedalyn “Jed” Dalusung but the latter withdrew his candidacy right before the election leaving the former as an unopposed candidate.

In his speech, Macapagal, who will now serve as ex-officio board member, expressed gratitude to his fellow Sangguniang Bayan members for trusting him the leadership of their organization and their representation to the provincial board.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa inyong lahat sa inyong suporta na ipinakita sa akin. Nagpapasalamat rin ako kay Konsehala Jed Dalusung sa pagbibigay ng daan upang mas mapadali ang aking pagseserbisyo,” he said.

Macapagal also thanked Vice Governor Lilia Pineda and former President and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo their support. The two women leaders publicly endorsed Macapagal for the position.

The new PCL president likewise disclosed his top priority which is to further promote unity in the provincial league and recognize three-termer councilors in the province for their dedication to public service.

Other officers include PCL Vice President Celestino Dizon, Treasurer Joel Samia, Auditor Benjamin Lim, Business Manager Krizzanel Garbo, Secretary General Arthur Diaz, Public Relations Officer and Ariel Sarmiento.

This year’s Board of Directors are councilors Nelson Alonzo of Candaba, Carlito Viray of Masantol, Gregorio Maria T. Yambao of Minalin, Rico H. Sta. Cruz of Sta. Rita, Edmon DC Simon of Apalit, and Joel J. Cruz Magalang.