LA TRINIDAD -- Benguet elected officials pledged for effectiveness and efficiency in their coming term in office.
A turnover and oath-taking ceremony was held Friday, June 28, at the Benguet Sports Center at Wangal in La Trinidad, Benguet. It was led by outgoing Benguet Governor Crescencio Pacalso, who officially turned over the top post
to Governor-elect Melchor Diclas.
Pacalso urged officials to keep Benguet for what it is known for as a peaceful province, "we expect the incoming officials to do the same. We shall not forget as it is the province is known for."
In turn, Diclas pledged to continue the work that has been made by the previous administration through working with line agencies and ask the support of the stakeholders.
"Thank you for giving us the chance to serve and work for you. We will work for the good of our province. The election campaign and voting process is done, we shall work as one for Benguet," Diclas said.
The governor and former Buguias mayor reiterated his agenda in his term for the province, citing development of health services and improved services of hospitals, deliver of basic services in the education sector, production of safe vegetables, and support for the research sector to improve quality agri-products.
He also affirmed support to small-scale mining sector and sports.
In Benguet province, at least seven incumbent and six newly elected mayors are set to serve in their respective towns.
The newly elected mayors include Tuba Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan, Bill Raymundo (Bakun), Victorio Palangdan (Itogon), Manuel Munar Jr. (Sablan), Armando Lauro (Tublay), Raymundo Sarac (Atok), Thomas Wales Jr. (Bokod), Faustino Aquisan (Kabayan), Cesar Molintas (Kibungan), Romeo Salda (La Trinidad), Frenzel Ayong (Mankayan), Manny Fermin (Kapangan), and Ruben Tinda-an (Buguias).
The 10th Provincial Board of Benguet, meanwhile, is composed of elected Provincial Board Members Sander Fianza, Juan Nazarro, Bernard Waclin, Florencio Bentrez, Jim Botiwey, Fernando Balaodan Sr., Roberto Canuto, Ruben Paoad, Robert Namoro and Apolinario Camsol.
Vice Governor Johnny Waguis accepted the gavel as the symbol of authority as presiding officer of the Provincial Board from outgoing Vice Governor Florence Tingbaoen.
"With the 10 regular member and four ex-officio members, we pledge we will execute our duties and functions to our best of ability to attain our common goal to improve the lives of our people," said Waguis.