THE Pangasinan Provincial Board (PB) welcomed its newest member, Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) Provincial Federation president Arth Bryan Celeste, during their regular session on August 6.
In his inaugural speech, Celeste asked his colleagues at the PB and Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr. to mentor and guide him as he offers his exuberance of youth, his eagerness to learn, dedication to serve, full and undivided attention, and the insights of a true millennial in return.
The 22-year-old is the chairman of Barangay Magsaysay in Alaminos City. He finished Bachelor of Science in Business Entrepreneurship at the De La Salle University. He also leads the Philippine Red Cross Youth-Alaminos City Western Pangasinan Chapter.
He is the second millennial member of the PB, the other one being Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation president Jerome Vic Espino.
"We have all been given the opportunity not ordinarily accorded to all. Ours is the privilege to render public service based on sound moral foundations, and an uncompromising duty to improve the lives of our constituents. It has been said repeatedly, that there is no higher calling than public service, where the chance to make a difference in people’s lives and improve the world is always a possibility," he said.
Celeste won the LnB Provincial Federation election on July 30 and now leads more than 1,300 barangay captains in Pangasinan.
"It recently dawned on me that I now have the distinct opportunity to positively affect the lives and circumstances of our province mates. Collectively, this august body, which I am humbly now a part of, has the ability to craft meaningful legislation that touch upon the lives of every Pangasinense," he said.
In his previous interviews, Celeste expressed his support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, and said he would also focus on the preservation of the environment and provision of livelihood as well.
After his speech, the PB called for a recess and the members personally congratulated and welcomed the young board member.
Earlier Monday morning, August 6, Celeste attended the traditional flag-raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol led by Governor Amado Espino III. (PNA)