March 29, 2024

Incoming city officials led by re-elected Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Vice Ma-yor Faustino Olowan, and Rep. Marquez Go will take their oath of office in ceremonies set June 30, 9 a.m. at the Baguio Convention Center.

The program will be simple yet solemn, according to City Budget Officer Leticia Clemente who heads the transition committee.

Other incoming officials to be inducted are incumbent Councilors Benny Bomogao, Arthur Allad-iw, Betty Lourdes Tabanda, Isabelo Cosalan, Mylen Victoria Yaranon, Vladimir Cayabas, Fred Bagbagen and Lilia Farinas and incoming Councilors Jose Molintas, Leandro Yangot Jr., Elmer Datuin, Peter Fianza.

Magalong will be sworn in by Public Attorney I Celia Bacani while Olowan will be inducted by Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 1 Presiding Judge Roberto Mabalot.

The new set of officials will also be officially welcomed in a special program during the flag-raising ceremonies on July 4.

They will undergo executive-legislative agenda planning to set the city’s development directions for the next three years.

Before this, the city will hold a special tribute for outgoing city officials on June 27.

Magalong earlier said his administration’s development goals are geared towards speeding up the city’s economic recovery and preventing the city from hurtling towards urban decay.

He said he is retaining the 16 core agenda swet forth during his first term which he said were strategic enough to be still relevant and responsive to the needs of the city.

The 16 core agenda are: speeding up government actions; revitalizing the environment; innovating peace and order condition; aggressive traffic management; responsive education programs; empowering the youth; expanding health and social services; responsible tourism; enlivened culture, arts, crafts, and heritage; market modernization; efficient disaster management; empowered and accountable barangay governance; strengthened livelihood and entrepreneurial services; poverty reduction; resolution of indigenous people land issues; and happiness. – Aileen P. Refuerzo