Two separate inauguration in Palompon

Vice Mayor Lloyd P. Surigao.
Oathtaking of Mayor Yoly Tupa.
Mayor Tupa deliver his inaugural speech.

PALOMPON, Leyte-Two separate inauguration ceremonies were held in this town on June 30. This was after the four minority councilors refused to join the oath taking at Palompon Social Center, but instead take apart from the group and have their oath taking in Barangay San Isidro social center, 1 kilometer from the poblacion.

Conspicuously absent during the oath-taking at Palompon social center were Councilors Jesus Sanchez, Manuel Bertulfo, Brigido Roble and Mesias Arevalo, who are politically aligned with the defeated mayor Marcelo Oñate, attended a separate oath taking at Brgy. San Isidro. Oñate supporters packed the social center at San Isidro, which is composed of their barangay campaign leaders, municipal employees and barangay captains who still refused to cooperate with the new municipal officials.

n Palompon Social Center however, 50 barangays including their barangay officials and supporters, civic and religious groups, schools, institutions, and other sectors converged and witnessed the oath taking of new Palompon officials headed by Mayor Eulogio S. Tupa and Vice Mayor Lloyd Surigao. Congressman Eufrocino M. Codilla administered the oath of four Sangguniang Bayan members, and as well as Surigao and Tupa. It was the first time for the solon to attend the inauguration here. Both the two inaugurations hold holy mass before the program, oath taking of officials, and other presentations. T

he San Isidro inauguration will have no inaugural ball in the evening, unlike that in Palompon social center. The opposition councilors however, confirmed their attendance during the inaugural session right after the oath taking. Congressman Eufrocino Codilla for his part said that he consider the construction of Municipal Gymnasium in Palompon as necessary, “dili pareha karon nga init kaayo, unya naghuot kamo” referring to the overcrowded social center during the activity.

Vice Mayor Lloyd Surigao in his speech presented the following legislative agenda that they will act immediately once they have already assumed office, next week;

· the transfer of all medicines from the mayor’s office to health centers and barangay health workers so that it will not be the mayor who will control its distribution.

· The enactment of a resolution that will authorize the mayor to enter into MOA with Couples for Christ for the implementation socialized housing project through Gawad Kalinga.

· Exempting legitimate farmers and fishermen in taxes during market day

· Decreasing the license fee for Pot-Pot drivers .

· Inviting shipping companies and business investors to Palompon without any personal conditions and “CASHabutan”.

Surigao likewise revealed their plan to study, discuss, and review the following;

· preservation of watershed area in Liberty (Pheschem quarry area), and to contribute the campaign against climate change.

· Review the contracts entered into by Palompon LGU and commercial banks.

· Comprehensive evaluation of LGU employees performances, daily attendance, etc,

· Creation of income generating projects thru Livelihood Commission.

· Extensive review on fish and bird sanctuary ordinance, bantay danggit ordinance etc.

· Construction children’s Kingdom or playground.

The vice mayor also stressed the need to focus on agriculture, livelihood and improved social services.Mayor Eulogio S. Tupa for his part expressed his gratitude to all Palomponganons, and rally their support as they will start to buckle down to work, and to set aside personal differences.He also mentioned Congressman Codilla to be his partner in fulfilling his dreams and aspirations for the people of Palompon, because according to him the solon has contributed development in this town through his projects. In conclusion, he ask the support of every Palompons, ‘Tabangi kami, ubani kami, I-ampo kami, para sa tinuod nga kausaban. Tungod kay pinaagi sa panaghiusa ug pagtambayayong masayon lang unya ang pagkab-ot sa gidamgo nga kausaban” Tupa stressed.

Elected LGU officials take oath of office

Congressman Codilla congratulates Mayor Jun Medina after his oath taking at Isabel municipal court last June 30. Also in picture are Mrs. Maria Capahi-Codilla and Mrs. Medina.
Cong. Codilla administered the oathtaking of Mayor Eulogio "Yoly" Tupa of Palompon, Leyte.
Mayor Eric "Beboy" Codilla presents his 7-point agenda which will be his compass for his second term. He delivered his inaugural speech during the inaugural session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Vice Mayor Macario "Boy" Lumangtad Jr. of Kananga Leyte.

By Gerardo C. Reyes Jr.
ELECTED local officials were sworn into office or their new term last June 30. There was a festive atmosphere in most of the towns in 4th District except in Isabel where newly elected Mayor Saturnino Medina Jr. opted for a simple oath-taking ceremony in the office of MCTC Judge Lida L. Nicol.

In Ormoc, Mayor Eric C. Codilla delivered his inaugural speech at the Placido Enecio session hall of the Sangguniang Panlungod (SP) building where he bared his seven-point agenda which will serve as his administration’s compass in its development goals. The agenda includes agriculture, education, health, housing, livelihood, employment and beautification. Mayor Eric also batted for reconciliation now that the elections are over. The day before, he hosted a despedida party for outgoing councilors Gregorio Yrastorza Jr. who challenged him in last month’s polls, Jose Serafica and Eduardo P. Tan. The mayor recognized the contribution to the 10th SP of Yrastorza and Serafica who both belong to the opposition. In his second term, Mayor Eric vowed to deliver more, do better and push further, with emphasis on self-reliance and non-dependence on national aid and the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA). According to him, Ormoc is dependent 75% on its P300 million annual IRA. With the creation of new cities which he personally lobbied against, he expects a reduction on the city’s IRA. But instead of crying over spilled milk, he promised to reduce Ormoc’s IRA dependency to 60% through income-generating measures like improved tax collection.

Kananga

Kananga Mayor Elmer Codilla was sworn in early that afternoon before that of Mayor Eric to allow the latter witness his brother’s oath-taking. In his speech, Mayor Elmer said that Kananga already has a distinct advantage of being a 1st class municipality because of its high income. Unfortunately, the town was left behind because of government mismanagement.

Mayor Elmer said he could not wait to buckle down to work as he has many plans for Kananga. On health, he will put up health centers in all barangays stocked with medicines, provision of additional allowance to barangay health workers, construction of dog pound and rehabilitation of the community hospital.

In infrastructure, he will put up a new public market and terminal, improve the poblacion’s drainage system, re-channel rivers and improve the slaughterhouse. To improve peace and order he will hire more civil security personnel. He will also replicate Ormoc’s Rice Production Enhancement Program and build more bridges and farm-to-market roads to bring down the cost of agricultural products.

Palompon

In Palompon, there were two sets of oath-taking with the four elected Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members from the opposition opting to hold their own ceremony at Brgy. San Isidro. Mayor Eulogio “Yoly” Tupa and Vice Mayor Lloyd Surigao took their oaths before Rep. Eufrocino M. Codilla Sr. at the jam-packed social center. Present were SB Members Gilbert Manongsong, Rodolfo Canson, Earl Bongbong, and Jesus Villardo III. Conspicuously missing were Jesus Sanchez, Manuel Bertulfo, Brigido Roble and Mesias Arevalo.

The ceremony in San Isidro was attended by barangay officials, campaign leaders and government employees who refuse to cooperate with the new administration. But unlike the official ceremony, there was no inaugural ball in San Isidro afterwards. The four “separatist” kagawads also caught up to the inaugural session.

Their action drew criticisms. Engr. Nilo Paloma, former manager of Palompon Water District described it as a gesture of disrespecting the will of the Palomponganons which provokes divisiveness.

Tabango

In Tabango, re-elected Mayor Bernard Jonathan Remandaban and Vice Mayor Juan Velasco took their oaths before Municipal Circuit Trial Court Judge Althon Miralles at the town’s gym. They were joined by Kags. Rommel Arropo, Nancy Lang, Merlo Ocubillo, Celso Pastor, Miguelito Umpad, Albert Manriquez, Rolando Uy and Sherlita Damayo.

In his inaugural address, Mayor Remandaban recalled that there were 24 candidates who ran for different positions in their local government which was unusual considering the town has only 17,000 voters in 13 barangays. He thanked his constituents for giving him a fresh mandate. He enumerated his accomplishments in his second term that include the construction of the public market and slaughterhouse as well as the conduct of six medical missions including minor operations for goiter. He also succeeded in containing rampant illegal fishing.

Now on his final term, Mayor Remandaban would like to finish the public library, passengers’ lounge, the seaside sports complex and road improvements. For his eco-tourism program, he plans to replicate the success of Loboc River in Bohol to Tabango’s own Palaypay River.

For the 847, each of the 13 barangays did have a roasted pig in every table in this occasion. Among those witnessed the ceremony were San Isidro town Mayor Allan Ang, Villaba town Councilor Allan Chan, Tabango ABC Pres. Rolando Baronda and mayor’s balikbayan brother Joel Remandaban. If politician has a catchy campaign slogan during election, the elected officials in Tabango town did maintain a unique number combination, the 847 which pave them to straight victory of the Remandaban slate. This was learned during their oath taking ceremony, which administered by of, in the town’s gym last June 30. The 847 combination stands for “Straight lang gihapon” is the number usually the elected officials thanked for to their constituents during each of the speeches in this occasion. Although the elected officials there did not patronize the number for game like the “swertres lotto,”

Fr. Victorino Japson, who officiated the mass, reminded them that any kinds of betting is immoral as the priest reminded them also their duties as public servant as well to our environment. Officially sworn in mass were re-elected Mayor Bernard Jonathan Remandaban, last termer Vice Mayor Juan Velasco.

In his talk, Mayor Remandaban said he would continue his vision that Tabango would be the eco-tourist destination in Eastern Visayas as he initiated the “Wow Tabango” program during his first term. He believed this could create opportunities such as employment that would improve the living condition of the town folks there. He admitted also that he did lapses in his administration such as governing the employees in municipal hall as human is subject to a mistake which would be corrected for the good of the people as public servant.

My 27th birthday

Inauguration of the newly elected officials, Mayor Eulogio"Yoly" Tupa took his oath of office at Palompon social center presided by Congressman Codilla.
Congressman Codilla, Mayor Jun Medina and company shortly after the proclamation last June 30. 10:00 AM.
In Kananga, Elmer "Eming" Codilla took his oath before Judge Malate at Kananga Session Hall, 2nd floor, Kananga Municipal Building.
Congressman Eufrocino Codilla with Palompon officials last June 30.

I already turned 27 last June 30. It was a hectic day for me but I still find ways to spend some of my time for myself and love ones. But, honestly it was one of the birthdays that I spend only less than P 200 pesos, believe me, I’m not kidding. Thanks to the Republic Act 7160 (otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 that sets June 30 as the inauguration of newly elected officials.

In 4^th district, two towns have already their oathtaking ceremonies a day before, but four others hold their inauguration on June 30, that happens to be my birthday. I can still recall that at the age of 12, we attended the inauguration of then mayor Ramon Oñate, with my grand uncle the late Margarito “Tatay Tots” (Toting) Codilla, a war veteran. The crowd packed the social center and I witness myself, how festive my birthday was not because of my preparation, but that of the newly elected officials inauguration, which is also my birthday. Then in June 30, 1998, I and my fellow youth coordinators and leaders took part of the victory party, and it was my 18^th birthday (few months ago, we worked hard campaigning for Ramon Oñate, who was then on his last term, the first time that I got into political activities being one of the speakers bureau, a truly satisfying and fulfilling experience). Then before 2001, I was already hired as an employee of the municipal government in Palompon, assigned at the mayor’s office. And again in 2001, during my 21^st birthday, more than 50 lechons are served at the packed social center with more than 3,000 barangay officials, civic leaders, etc. attended, because the new mayor at that time, former mayor Baloy Oñate took his oath before Judge Eric Menchavez, then the same thing that happened in 2004, June 30 during my 24^th birthday, inauguration again of elected officials and at the same time, victory party for their supporters.

This time, since I have already resigned as municipal employee of Palompon since July 30, 2004, I do still attend the inauguration of elected officials in my hometown but including other municipalities also, considering that I worked now at congressman’s office.

Going back to what had happened last June 30, during my 27^th birthday…as I have said a hectic day for me. At 5:00 AM I get up early to hitch a ride with my boss’ vehicle going to Isabel, Palompon, Kananga then back to Ormoc. About 9:30, we we’re in Isabel municipal hall already and then proceeded to the sala of Judge Lida L. Nicol where newly elected mayor Saturnino “Jun” Medina took his oath of office, he was accompanied of course by his colleagues led by vice mayor Greg Cerillo and SB members.

In Palompon, it was a grand victory party in the crowded Palompon social center (called tenisan when I was young…anyways, I’ll going to tell you the story behind, or the history behind rather…in my incoming blogs). This time, Yoly Tupa, the former vice mayor is now the new chief executive, with vice mayor Lloyd Surigao and SB members. Most of them are known to be Codilla political allies. The congressman administered the oathtaking and in fact promised to make a municipal gym (a smaller version of Ormoc superdome).

After that we proceeded to Kananga, Leyte where Eming Codilla is also about to take his oath of office. We reached there at about 2:00 PM, and the oathtaking started right away. It was the first time nga nakasaka ko sa municipio sa Kananga. After the snacks was served we then proceeded to Ormoc SP session hall to witness the inauguration of Mayor Eric Codilla, the second term of mayor Beboy I mean.

I have an invitation for Tabango, Leyte that night (no less than Mayor Bernard Jonathan “Benjo” Remandaban, invited me but I need to cancel my trip to that time, so that I can spend time with my family during that day—my 27^th birthday.

At last, at 6:00 I’m in our rented house in Can-adieng already, then buy 2 lechon manok at nearby J-1 chicken (near Kusina Ormoc and Chicken Ati-atihan) for only P160. And still I enjoy my birthday despite that hectic day.

JUNE 29 BLOG

I wasn’t able to post news, feature articles, essays or anything in my blog for the entire month of June. My hectic day at work, home, and sidelines hooked and occupied me too much.

The fact that I have no organizer and sometimes I did not plan my work ahead of time, is certainly the reason why I failed to manage my time effectively.

One of the reasons is my assignment that took effect this June 2007. I am already a regular writer at Ormoc City Government official website at www.ormoc.gov.ph. Another is my target news stories per week for West Leyte Weekly Express should be at least eight to ten per week, and this month also I am planning to write for a national newspaper or magazines, preferably one in English and one in vernacular, as long as the deal is good.

Anyways, the month of June 2007 however, was very eventful. In the entire 4^th district there are newsworthy events that unfold elsewhere that I did not able to post in my blog but it was posted however at Ormoc website or published in West Leyte Weekly Express. These include the Fiesta activities in Ormoc, from the time that the festivities kicked off last June 12 until June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.

We and my colleagues attended the Government Employees Night, since I am presently working as one of them. My boss, the congressman however was not there, but his message was read by Councilor Sotero Chuchi Pepito, and it was truly a memorable night.

There are bad news in Kananga and Merida, some of you knew already about it. Tacloban also is preparing for their fiesta, which is of course unbeatable when it comes to pomp and pageantry. I was once in Tacloban some years ago when they celebrated their fiesta and it was truly spectacular. Baybay, Leyte and other aspirants (to become a city) is holding their plebiscites, and Baybayanons voted overwhelmingly for a resounding “Yes”, despite the opposition of the League of Cities.

Papa J of Palompon is still updating me about the happenings in Palompon, politically, socially, and anything about my hometown that I now visited only once in a blue moon. Besides there are some people that also feed me some important information about the events in Palompon like my relatives, friends, and networks, etc. The reason that I learned that the priest turned emotional in his homily, another is the conflict between CSFJ administration and some residents of Palompon, the robbery that happened in Kanghawro, but the suspects are all from Isabel (three of them are now behind bars), the PIT admin building incident (thanks God, those computers and other equipments were recovered) Kudos also to SPO1 Rogelio Subere, PO1 Rogelio G. Rojas Jr. (a good friend of mine from Barangay Sabang) and PO1 Jovie Espinido. My friend also, now an elected municipal councilor told me about the midnight appointments of some employees in Palompon LGU, the preparations of the oathtaking, and another is the interesting inauguration party which will be held separately in Palompon Social Center and Barangay San Isidro social center. Kakuyaw!!!

Sige na lang!!!

Anyways, the new school years just started, sadly I can’t teach at Syntacs college this time because of time management problem, and besides the school is no longer walking distance away from our rented house, because we already transferred at Agua Dulce, in the house owned by my colleague in media—Jun Tarroza, (some of friend thought that Jun Tarroza was the one who ran for mayor last May 2007 in Ormoc, no!? it was Jun Yrastorza, that sounds like Jun Tarroza).

Her name is Donabel....

"She is one of the campus beauties during my college days....."

The author, Gerard Reyes...at 27.

I was in the office, last May 24 in the morning when I needed the telephone number of the new PACCI manager. I dialed 338-2000 in Bayantel-Palompon hoping to get some info from the said office. I did not get the number, but surprisingly, the voice of the operator on the other line is very familiar.

Later on, I knew her to be Donabel Omega, she is one of the campus beauties during my college days in PIT, way back 5 years ago. I was already a 3^rd year student then while working also a municipal employee in Palompon, while she is a sweet freshmen student. During the Intramurals last September 2002, she was the muse of the College of Technology, while I was also the unit head of the College of Education team. I can remember her as a friendly, charming, and lovely cute little girl (chubby, I mean…) . Now she’s already 21 years old, she said, and will be turning 22 this December, I told myself that I am getting older by now.

Before, when I was only 16 years old, I can see her as a little girl playing like other children did. She did not even mind what she’s doing (wearing a mini skirt) at the age of 9, if my memory serves me right. Now she’s already a lady.

This time, I enjoy everytime I talked with her on the phone. She’s still the very friendly Donabel that I knew some years ago. The same Donabel, that flashes her electrifying smile to her friends and acquaintances, or even to a stranger like me….

Why the mayor was defeated?

The following were analysis made by some Palomponganon politicos, barangay officials, market vendors, students, and other ordinary electorates in this town. It is an attempt to understand on the defeat of the incumbent mayor of this town during last May 14, 2007 elections.

• Most of the people of Palompon are clamoring for change (kausaban), and is tired already of “too much politicking”.
• Palomponganons consider the expulsion of Vice Mayor Constantino “Tantin” Tupa as political manuevering of those who want to remove him for his post. Political bickerings among elected local officials was made known by many, and this hampered the development of this town
• The development of this town was hampered by the blocking of the incumbent municipal officials to some projects of Congressman Codilla to the barangays. The people needs this project but the mayor tried to prevent this projects to be implemented. This was evidenced by the passage of Municipal Development Council resolutions and municipal resolutions, requiring the congressman to ask permission from the MDC or the municipal council upon the implementation of projects to the barangays, where in fact other towns did not block these projects like Isabel, Merida, and Albuera.
• Some of the barangay officials and leaders were slighted when the mayor berated them in front of some municipal employees and clientile at the mayor’s office
• The mayor is sensitive to humors and intrigues againts him, and whenever he heard such comments and criticisms, “kaluoy sa tawo nga mosaway” kasab-an gyod ug insakto.
• The second term of the outgoing mayor was marked by bickerings among municipal employees, among them are department heads themselves engaging to verbal tussle and personal attacks. Mun. Treasurer VS. Mun. Accountant, etc.
• Some of the municipal employees are abusive. You know why? A barangay captain was told “paluma-luma man kag kapitan, dili man ka kamao” the municipal accountant told the capt. Then she threw the papers to the brgy. officials. It was however, settled later on.
• Some of the disgruntled employees did not vote for the outgoing mayor. Among them are those who have some gripes and sentiments related to their job and assignments.
• In hiring new employees and promoting employees, (palakasay lang) Ah! Ila na man lang tanan….panghatag pod sa lain oi! Paryentehay man lagi. A daughter of an officials is a dept. head, a sister in law of a Dept. head, a husband and wife, (Kakuyaw ani!)
• One of the iron lady is a relation to the municipal official, Siya ang nagbuot kun kinsa ang I-regular og I-permanent sa position
• Other are disgruntled loyal supporters, like those connected in the municipality that was not rewarded by the present administration. Some of them are working hard supporting the mayor’s candidacy but instead that they will be elevated to regular position, new and “malakas” employees themselves were promoted.
• Many of the loyal supporters of the incumbent mayor are now seen in the other camp like Arnel Villarente, a disgruntled market collector who was their campaign coordinator of the in 1998, 2001 and 2004 elections. Some other municipal employees resigned. Also some others who are very much identified with them before are no longer with them.
• The mismanagement of CBRMP funds was discovered by DOF during one of its audit, the controversy involved more than P 1Million. When campaign started, the camp of the outgoing mayor failed to inform the public about such accusations.
• Provincial Board Member Herville V. Pajaron drop bombshells during the Lakas CMD (Kausaban) rallies in Palompon, denouncing the anomalies of the present administrations, their allegations were supported by facts thru video presentations, thus convincing the electorates that the present administration has its lapses.
• Having Mr. dela Gente as their emcee was disastrous. His speeches are not acceptable to educated electorates and the masa, but it is accepted only in the streets and even in cockpits and peryahan. His personal attacks to Mr. Pajaron was “ not advisable” for the people will are not that dumbed. It is not advisable also for dignified candidates like them, who are mostly incumbent municipal officials to have such kind of Emcee.
• Most of their candidates engaged to personal attacks againts Tupa, Pajaron and Congressman Codilla. Instead of campaigning and winning the hearts of the electorates their campaign speeches instead defeat the purpose.
• They did not avoid “bad” words in their speeches, they were not careful enough and they did not consider the Palomponganon electorates as wise and intelligent. Even candidates are heard saying taboo words such as “kayat” “gi-jerjer” etc, which is offensive and scandalous to those educated persons who are around.
• The NPC party are not careful in selecting their candidates, one reason that they lose the election.
• The mayor’s sipsips composed of municipal employees vying for Regular and Permanent Positions (Item), Barangay officials and leaders, Campaign coordinators, Speakers bureaus etc. are sowing intrigues that Mr. So---and---So are no longer their supporters, whom the mayor also believed without verification, since they marked such electorate “nga tua na kuno sa pikas”, the said individual “nahiubos” and instead to gain the support of such voters ---wala na hinuon, sayang.
• Their own supporters were being suspected as “tua sa pikas” by their campaign coordinators, so instead of gaining support from these people, nawala na hinuon kay nahiubos na man tu siya nga gipasanginlan. Instead of addition, what happened is subtraction of supporters.
• Those person who paste “Be Honest” stickers of BCBP were suspected as supporters of Tupa, even if they are municipal officials.
• Oppositions and its supporters were subjected to harrassment like what happened to Vic Rufin of Cangcosme, Rosie Reuma of Lomonon, Chedna Romero, Turibio Piñon, a vendor in terminal named Fredo, etc.
• Because of what happened to them, many of the Palomponganons who wants to ventilate his views about the Municipality and the present administration is afraid to criticize the town officials even if it is a ‘constructive criticisms”
• Barangay captains defected from the camps of the mayor, among them are Feliciano Rodado of San Roque, Necerita Omega of Tinago, etc.

The proclamation of Palompon Mayor

KAUSABAN SA PALOMPON. Mayor -elect Eulogio "Yoly " Tupa, bringing hope to effect change in Palompon governance. The new administration will assume office on June 30, 1997, as per mandated by RA 7160.
SA KAUSABAN, ANG PALOMPON...MALINAWON UG MALAMBOON. Tupa's running mate, Atty. Lloyd Surigao vows to support the programs of Mayor Tupa and to help implement the much-needed development projects to fast track the economic growth of Palompon.
The dream team. Lakas CMD councilors was also proclaimed winners last May 16. (Left to Right) Atty. Jesus "Bong" Villardo III, NLC Director Gilbert Manongsong, Earl "Eloy" Bongbong, and retired SB Secretary Rodolfo "Rudy" Canson.
The other side. NPC councilors, (L -R) Former ABC President Mesias"Indoy" Arevalo, Re-electionist Councilors Manuel Bertulfo and Jesus "Jek" Sanchez, and newly -elected councilor Jun Roble.