MAYOR Joseph Achacoso Ranola deliberately made public his intention to give up his post as mayor of this bustling port town Jagna in December this year.
This he announced during the 125th Independence Day celebration at Plaza de Jagna in the evening of June 12, before the municipal employees, officials and the people.
His departure for good would make way for Vice-Mayor Teofisto Pagar, Jr., to assume as municipal mayor on January 2024.
Based on rule on succession, Number one councilor Wilfredo Ranis Vinalon would then fill in as municipal vice-mayor.
It was not immediately known who would be appointed as the eight councilor as this would become vacant once Pagar and Vinalon succeed as mayor and vice-mayor, respectively.
Former Anthony Aniscal, who did not make it in the magic 8 in 2022 polls, has been floated around to fill in the vacant post of number eight municipal councilor.
Based on the applicable rule, the one who succeed the vacant post (councilor) must come from the same political party that the resigned official belongs.
However, Ranola stressed that though he will leave office, he still intends to help and will not abandon his commitment to Jagna’s development.
He did not hesitate to cite the disease his wife is suffering but he did not name what specific ailment during his speech.
He said that he’ll be back in Manila to continue his advocacy, in fact, it’s his “love of work,” as budget consultant for bigwigs and senators in Manila for years now.
When asked if he would be persuaded by petition that might be launched for him to stay put by the people just like what happened before he filed his candidacy for reelection, he said that the people of Jagna will understand his stand this time. This he fervently hopes for.
It will be recalled that for so short the time (four years), Ranola has instituted an unparalleled progress, in terms of livelihood, infrastructure and other things, for good that no past administration has done.
He changed the physical features of the public market, like the fish section, but most of all the people/sellers learned discipline in that cleanliness drive the mayor has inculcated. He also launched the buy-back scheme, like buying fish catch, apparently to cushion the impact of high fish prices and the improvement of the fish port with the big help of national agencies, like the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources and others.
Ranola welcomed investors. Now the MacDonald opened its doors to the valued customer here and nearby towns. He also bared as part of his plan, a prominent mall owner is interested to come here to do business once the landfill project is completed.
In terms of infrastructure, some P50 million sourced out from national government has already been started from barangay Pangdan to barangay Tejero, near the cemetery in Pangas to barangay Canjulao. This is apparently to decongest the heavy traffic in the main highway traversing the town proper.
The new municipal building to accommodate more offices and personnel has just began and the improvement of the physical attributes of the municipal oval, tennis courts and other amenities under the sports program for the youth and young ones alike.
