MABINI town Mayor Ongie Grace Bernales-Lim enthusiastically enumerated her administration’s achievements in her State of the Municipal Address (SOMA) on July 23, 2023 in a long program which coincided with the 119th year of the town since its birth.
But before that, a parade took place participated in by barangay officials, municipal workers and officials and visitors from the municipal hall to the town’s gym where the program was held.
She delivered his speech against the backdrop of the country’s hero Apolinario Mabini to whom the town is named since its founding in 1904.
The mayor highlighted important concerns her administration started to roll, like economic development; health and social development; good governance; environmental management / disaster risk reduction management; and infrastructure.
“And so, today the winds of change are in our favor. As we start to build Mabini’s future today. I exort you all to rise up and face the challenges with me that we may build a legacy of hope and prosperity for the next generation,” the mayor said.
She told the cheering crowd that she decided to run for the highest post of the town because “there is an issue of equity or the lack of it, in our town.”
She said that based on her sorties to the sitios in the barangays, she noticed the “lack of even the most basic support services to our people” while some enjoy the luxury of life, a lot of Mabininhons still suffer from the inadequate services provided by the government.
But all these depends on each Mabini townsfolk, she stressed. “And that can only be realized if we work together, not against each other. Let us not be afraid to dream big for our beloved town and be willing to pay the price for the realization of such dream because those who don’t dream will never see a new world being created.”
The town’s foundation day theme says, “Mabini @119th: Pursuing excellence in public service and soaring high towards Global competitiveness.”
The mayor was accompanied by her husband, Bryan Lim and their three daughters in marching the red carpet placed from the gym’s gate to the stage after the vice-mayor and SB members passed through it so the program could begin.
The mayor is thankful to the people, like the Technical Working Group, committees and job order municipal workers and those responsible for making the activity successful and meaningful.
She also said that “I want to give special greetings to the department heads of the LGU and our employees who have been instrumental in what we have accomplished the past year,” the mayor said.
She made special mention to her partners — Vice-Mayor Myra Fostanes Colis who heads the Sangguniang Bayan —- in rowing the boat of Mabini to progress.
The SB members — Councilors Alexis T. Bagabaldo, Jason M. Curit, Gilbert R. Wahing, Eugenio M. Tutor, Jr., Ester E. Anchuelo, Levito A. Baldo, John Paolo P. Jayoma and Victriano D. Jotojot — are instrumental in legislating important measures as a policy support to the program of the executive department headed by the mayor.
The foundation day celebration highlighted the recognition of the past mayors, including ex-mayors Ellorido Magallon and Stephen Rances, Esther Fostanes-Tabigue and Juanito Jayoma and those who already passed away.
She also recognized Rev. Fr. Dale Angelo Duallo and Rev. Fr. Lloyd Lester Liwagon and Rev. Fr. Gerzon Justiniani, as well as the business sector, the Department of Education headed by acting PSDS Dr. Carolyn Lee Esdrelon and other sectoral representatives.
Mr. Bayani Tutor, who represented Congresswoman Kristine Alexie B. Tutor, Rances, who represented Gov. Aris Aumentado and even without their presence, Vice-Gov. Dionisio Victor A. Balite and provincial board members Greg Jala, Nathaniel Binlod Elpidio Bonita and Tita V. Baja, were also given due recognition.
The barangay chairmen led by its league’s president Belinda B. Vallecera (Poblacion 1) were also recognized. Silverio Miano (Abaca), Carlito V. Tuyor (Abad Santos), Federico B. Ibanez, Jr., (Aguipo), Misael G. Guarin (Baybayon), Alejo B. Tutor (Bulawan), Allan c. Doblas (Cabidian), Pio F. Fuderanan (Cawayanan), Maximino L. Jayoma (Concepcion), Romeo V. Balaquit, Jr. (Del Mar), Eusebio S. Vallejos (Lungssudaan), Ramon V. Bayron (Marcelo), Ronelio T. Vallecera ( Minol), Florencio C. Vallecera (Paraiso), Wilard B. Indonto (Poblacion 2), Eugenio V. Bersabal (San Isidro), Raymond V. Acuram ( San Jose), Carlito V. Dongel (San Rafael), Nicolas R. Ramos ( San Roque), Emmie W. Tuyor (Tambo), Bernardo S. Nunez, Jr. (Tangkigan) and Emmanuel P. Cesar (Valaga). (rvo)
