BAGUIO City Mayor-elect Benjamin Magalong has reached out to political rivals in a bid to build friendships and achieve unity and cooperation.
Magalong, a former chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), confirmed that he has started to meet and talk with the seven other mayoralty candidates during the May 13 elections.
He said his attempt at reconciliation has been met with varied reactions.
The retired police general turned politician said some have accepted his call for friendship while others had gripes. A few suggested some programs for the city.
Other mayoralty candidates whom Magalong defeated were human rights lawyer Jose Mencio Molintas, incumbent Vice Mayor Edison Bilog and Councilors Leandro Yangot, Edgar Avila, comebacking Tony Boy Tabora, former tourism officer Benny Alhambra, and Indigenous Peoples Representative for Barangay Apugan Labio Calingayan.
Magalong said he is open to suggestions and ideas and welcomes others who may want to contribute.
Magalong campaigned for a 10-point agenda which include speeding up government action, revitalizing the environment, innovative peace and order program, effective traffic management, responsive education program, youth empowerment, expanding health and social services and responsible tourism.
He went from barangay to barangay to give medical-dental and optical missions and provided services to the needy and senior citizens. (Maria Elena Catajan)