2010-07-10La Union Elective Officials Take Oath
Inspired with the results of the recent first computerized election in the country, cheering relatives, friends and supporters of victorious elective officials in the Province of La Union led by reelected Governor Manuel C. Ortega, rallied to the Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas Convention Hall on June 12, 2010 to witness the Joint Inauguration and Oath-Taking Ceremonies of national and local officials with the theme, “La Union Leaps Through Effective Development Partnership.”
In opening the program, Dir. Corazon P. Guray of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Region I congratulated all the elected officials as she challenged them to continue their outstanding practices in local governance. Director Guray even cited personal experiences which affirmed the effective and efficient implementation of the Citizens Charter in the province. In a transaction to one of the offices of the City Government of San Fernando, she got the services she needed in half the time expected. Surprised with the fast service she got, she instructed one of her staff to discreetly return to the office and request the same service. The result was still the same: fast, prompt and courteous service. In another instance, one of her acquaintances sought for Anti-Rabies Vaccination at the Provincial Health Office after being bitten by a dog. The result was similar: she got her request for free in just five minutes.
In his Inaugural Address, La Union 1st District Congressman Victor F. Ortega declared that the success of the 1st automated election confirms the “Liberation” of La Union from “Guns, Goons and Gold” through “God and Good Governance. He also remarked that the realization of a Joint Inauguration and Oath-Taking Ceremony proves that La Union has a “unified front against poverty and all other things we do not like for our province.” Unopposed, Congressman Ortega got 144,537 votes last May 10.
“Dream with me. Believe with me. Plan with me. Work with me,” starts La Union 2nd District Congressman Eufranio “Franny” C. Eriguel during his inaugural address. To emphasize that his victory is the victory of the entire 2nd district of La Union, he asked the Mayors of his district to join him on-stage before taking his Oath of Office. He thanked the people who were instrumental in his success, especially his wife, Agoo Mayor Sandra Y. Eriguel, for her unconditional love and belief in him despite the setbacks they have encountered during the campaigns. He thanked spouses Congressman Ortega and former City of San Fernando Mayor Mary Jane Ortega for being his mentors, instilling in him the value of hope as they encouraged him to continue the quest for his desire to serve the people. Congressman Eriguel thanked Governor Ortega for his trust in him – making him the father of the 2nd district of his province. He also thanked Board Member Rolando “Rudy” V. Rivera for being his big brother and companion in his political campaign sorties. In thanking the Mayors who supported him, he commended Mayor Reynaldo J. Flores and Vice Mayor Abraham P. Rimando of Naguilian. During the 2007 elections, Congressman Eriguel received only 1,000 votes in Naguilian but now, because of Mayor Flores’ love for his town, he fought hard and even risked his life in supporting the former Agoo Mayor, giving him an overwhelming victory as he bagged 90% of the total number of votes in Naguilian.
Apo Pacoy took pride of the occasion as their political coalition overwhelmingly won most positions from District Representatives, Governor down to the Councilors. He also described his success as a bonus which was “at first it seemed to be just a dream - an impossible dream. Yet it did not only become probable but it became inevitable as well.”
He also praised and congratulated the Commission on Elections, Board of Election Inspectors, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for a “job well done” during the May 10, 2010 elections.
Congressman Pacoy Ortega remarked that the occasion “brings together our local officials, we feel a better partnership to establish a more harmonious relationship among our leaders. This day, we gathered together because we have chosen whom to lead, our citizenry and unity of purpose over conflict for the benefit of our people.” He further explained that the joint celebration is a sign of simple commitment, unity and team work for the attainment of a more progressive and peaceful La Union.
The younger Ortega also gave his special thanks to his father, Governor Ortega, whom he described as worthy of emulation as the Father of the Province as has “has labored and dedicated his life in the service of La Union and his people and who continuously commit as a selfless and devoted public service.”
In behalf of the Abono Partylist, he extended his deepest appreciation and gratitude for the overwhelming support during the May 10 elections as his party got the biggest number of votes in La Union with 180,200 votes which is more than a 100% increase as compared to the 87,541 votes they received in the 2007 election. He further informed everyone that in the last elections, Abono is also number one in three other provinces which include Apayao with 4,478 votes; Pangasinan with 413,787; and Tarlac with 51, 121. During the 2007 national elections, Abono ranked 15th out of 93 groups but in the recent elections, the party bagged 766,615 votes nationwide to claim the 8th spot out of 187 groups. “This paved the way for your humble province-mate, being Abono Partylist’s second nominee, to be proclaimed as member of the House of Representatives again,” declared Apo Pacoy.
“As we take the road that unfolds before us, to the new national administration, and a new dawn for our beloved province, the Abono Partylist remains committed in formulating, proposing and supporting sound legislations. More importantly, we remain forever loyal in designing the programs that would deliver basic services.” As a gesture of his gratefulness to his constituents, he further declared that “charity begins at home and so, expect my dear province mates that aside from the agri-business sector and the people whom I represent in Congress, you my province mates, especially our local farm tillers who are the front liners in the quest for economic recovery and growth shall be my topmost concern. Let us also continue to work towards the fulfillment of our dreams, saan nga umanay iti arapa-ap laeng apo, masapul iti aramid a pakakitaan.”
In ending his speech, Sir Pacoy quoted the late US Senator Edward Kennedy to keep the ball rolling “The work goes on; the cost endures; the hope still lives and our dreams shall never die.”
For his part, Gov. Manuel C. Ortega thanked his family for their support, especially his better-half, La Union Vibrant Women, Inc. Chair Geraldine R. Ortega, for their unconditional support in implementing his development projects programs fort the province. The Governor also explained that the election of officials from other parties in La Union proves that democracy is very much alive in La Union. For his second term as local chief executive of the province, Apo Manoling vowed to continue making peace and order as the top priority of his administration, most especially that the elected Congressman of the province’ 2nd district comes from his party.
Governor Ortega made history last May 10 as he posted one of the most lopsided election victory in the Province of La Union after being proclaimed as reelected Governor by the Provincial Board of Canvassers last May 11 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building in the City of San Fernando with 250,821 votes over his lone opponent’s 86,198. Of the 358,226 voters who actually voted, 74.42% voted for Apo Manoling while only 25.58% voted for his opponent. After beating the same gubernatorial candidate last 2007 during his first term by more than 30,000 votes, Governor Ortega registered a commanding lead of more than 164,000 for the recently concluded election.
The aforementioned gentlemen took their Oath of Office before Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Samuel R. Martires, a native of Agoo, La Union.
Governor Ortega administered the Oath of Office to come-backing Vice-Governor Augusto Aureo Q. Nisce, who won with 120,466 votes over his rival’s 48,119 votes. Of the total number of voters who actually voted, Apo Aureo got 72.2% while his rival only got 27.8%.
Apo Manoling also administered the same to the elected Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members which include Franciso “Kit” C. Ortega, Jr. who bagged 118,774 votes last May 10; Jose Maria “Pepe” C. Ortega, 111,292; Joaquin C. Ostrea, Jr., 93,167; Reynaldo M. Mosuela, 88,237; and Victoria L. Aragon with 83,876 votes for the 1st District while for the 2nd District, re-electionist Henry B. Balbin led winners with 98,200 votes followed by Rolando V. Rivera with 80,773; Robert B. Madarang, Jr., 66,393 votes; Henry A. Bacurnay, Jr., 62,987; and Ruperto A. Rillera, Jr. with 58,614 votes.
After taking his Oath of Office before Governor Ortega, City of San Fernando Mayor Pablo C. Ortega assured the continued world-class public service of the City Government which is exemplified by its world-class workforce. Mayor Ortega also mentioned with pride that although the City of San Fernando is a small city with small budget, its services are one of the most competitive in the Philippines. Dubbed as the “City of Possibilities,” Mayor Ortega guaranteed to make San Fernando the “Prime Capital City of the Ilocandia” through sustainable programs on trade, tourism and good governance.
Mayor Ortega administered the Oaths of Office of City of San Fernando Vice-Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto and Sangguniang Panlungsod Members Alfredo Pablo R. Ortega, Francisco Paulo P. Ortega, Jonathan Justo A. Orros, Rodolfo M. Abat, Joseph Bernard D. Valero, Joseph M. De Guzman, Andre H. Dacanay, Florentino G. Flores, Marilyn G. Jucar, Lolita G. Dyquiangco, Ramon F. Laudencia and Wilfredo P. Ordoño.
Other Mayoralty and Vice-Mayoralty winners in the province include Sandra Y. Eriguel and Jaime A. Boado, Jr. in Agoo; Teresita A. Ong and Eric O. Sibuma in Aringay; the husband and wife tandem of Rufino H. Fontanilla and Ma. Minda L. Fontanilla in Bacnotan; Ferdninand D. Tumbaga and Carlito B. Bestre in Bagulin; unopposed tandem of Al-Fred O. Concepcion and Gerard Jose G. Ostrea in Balaoan; Joy Pinzon-Merin and Wilfredo R. Mosuela, Jr. in Bangar; outgoing Vice-Governor Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III and Angelo S. Aquino in Bauang; Jose B. Abansi and Juanito D. Gacayan in Burgos; Clyde P. Crispino and Teodora S. Condon in Caba; Victor Marvin U. Marron and Romeo L. Resurreccion in Luna; Reynaldo J. Flores and Abraham P. Rimando in Naguilian; Noemi T. Balloguing and Jose B. Basallo in Pugo; Bellarmin C. Flores III and Allan S. Sabangan in Rosario; Dr. Divina Daligues-Velasco and Mauricio P. Canutab in San Gabriel; Ruben L. Valero, Jr. and Ceferino O. Lim in San Juan; Marietta C. Carbonell, better-half of outgoing Mayor Severino Carbonell and Vincent A. Rafanan in Santo Tomas; Daisy Sayangda-Olivar and Monico O. Oriente, Jr. in Santol; Alexander O. Buquing and Feliza M. Catcatan in Sudipen; and brothers Dante and Wilfredo S. Garcia in Tubao; respectively. Present municipal chief executives took their Oath of Office before the Governor.
Providing sets of top-caliber entertainment were spouses Louie and Cynthia Guico, relatives of Congressman Eriguel with their theater songs; Fokloriko iti La Union with their cultural dance presentation; and the Ortega Singing Scholars with their Abba medley songs.
Source: www.launion.gov.ph
