MAYOR-elect Julius Caesar Falar Herrera has chosen barangay chairman Romeo Cuabo of barangay Magtongtong, Panggangan island, Calape, Bohol to administer his oath of office in the barangay on June 28, 2022.
It was probably the first for the town that a barangay captain swears in a town mayor.
Herrera told media interview that he did it to pay reward to Cuabo, the only barangay chair who stayed steadfast and strong support for his candidacy of the over 30 barangays.
He said that the oath-taking/inauguration, along with councilors Atty. Roldan Damalerio, Teodoro Ruizol and Maria Desiree Zulueta, was intended to be held here to bring the government closer to the people.
Governor Aris Aumentado graced the affair.
Witnessing the inauguration were former vice-governor chiefs of staff — former city councilor Anne Mariquit Oppus and now Loay Mayor Hilario “Lahar” Ayuban, Tagbilaran Mayor Baba Yap, Businessman Norris Oculam and other bigwigs.
Former Philippine Labor attache’ and his wife Atty. Linda Herrera, former Mayor Ernest Herrera, Goldie Herrera, other children and grandchildren, son-in-laws, Dominic Butalid, San Isidro town councilor Gloria Gementiza, former Miss Bohol Sandugo 2000 Melanie Wallace and the barriofolks were also in attendance.
“Kining akung administrasyon isentro sa pagtangtang sa kawad-on sa mga Calapenhons: pagkaon, trabaho, subsidy sa mga Mag-uuma, Mangingisda, Peoples Organizations, tax-cut, ugmaron ang serbisyo sa tubig imonon (potable water), us-usan ang bayranan sa mga negosyante business permit, tricycles fees ug uban pang bulohisan tungod sa pandemic ug bagyong Odette,” Mayor Herrera emphasized as part of his development agenda.
To recall, Herrera served as Calape town for two terms (1995-1998/1998-2001). During these terms,he was elected and served as president of League of Municipalities of the Philippines Bohol chapter.
He also worked, not only as a mayor, but as vice-governor for three terms (2001-2010).
During his stint as vice-governor of Bohol, Herrera led the Vice-Governors League of the Philippines for three terms.
He was the chief of staff of then (his brother) the late Senator Ernesto Herrera that gave him the opportunity to hone his knowledge in the national budget considering the senator was the chair of the powerful chair of Senate appropriations committee.
The experience helped a lot for Herrera to chair the appropriations and agriculture committees while he was the vice-governor.
The Anti-GMO (genetically modified organism) provincial Ordinance and institution of the barangay legislative training, among other legislative measures, were his brainchild. (rvo)
