Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Solemn, Festive, Expensive Induction Program

The installation of LGU Kalibo officials for the term July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2016 is replete with all the ingredients of socio-civic-political-economic affairs.

It was held at Magsaysay Park, Kalibo in the afternoon of Friday, June 14.

Almost all sectors of Kalibonhons were represented as the area of Magsaysay Park was fully occupied with people who share the victory in the election of May 13 of Mayor William S. Lachica, Vice Mayor Madeline A. Regalado, and Sangguniang Bayan members Mark Vega Quimpo, Daisy Sucro Briones, Augusto C. Tolentino, Ariel O. Fernandez, Rodillo L. Policarpio, Gregorio Malapad, Jr. Mark Ace L. Bautista and Arnaldo M. Tejada.

The induction program started with a holy mass officiated by Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc with five other priests.

The holy mass over, it took for several minutes more before the installation of the new and re-elected municipal officials of Kalibo started. Inspite and despite of the rain, the program continued. It was a blessing from heaven. 

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez was present. However, he left Magsaysay Park after the Holy Mass. 

The induction program started with invocation which consisted of prayers of various religious denominations existing in Kalibo. The invocation over, Pambansang Awit Ng Pilipinas, Aklan Hymn, and Kalibo Hymn followed sang by Kalibo DepEd teachers.

The intermission numbers were performed by world class Aklanon artists via songs and dances. The models who wore clothes made of Aklan’s finest, the piña fiber were fantastic, so pretty handsome and elegant. The induction program was a real extravaganza emceed by Mr. Ron Bautista and Ms. Sharon Moises Duzaban. 

Hon. Marietta Homena-Valencia, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, Kalibo, Aklan administered the oath of office to the officials individually. The SB members were sworn to office, one after the other.

The first to take his oath of office was Hon. Mark Vega Quimpo who garnered the highest number of votes during the election among the SB members. The last sworn to office was Hon. Arnaldo M. Tejada, the number 8 as to the number of votes garnered.

The induction of SB members over, Vice Mayor Madeline Regalado was installed as Vice Mayor. The last to take his oath was Mayor Lachica. 

The oath taking ceremony is solemn where the close family members of each Kalibo official stood witnessed.

According to some estimates, LGU Kalibo must have spent P350,000 to P400,000 for the induction affair. 

This is not to mention some donations from businessmen who do business in the Kalibo municipal hall. I was told, brandy on each dinner table was donated. 

An American man said, “who will give you something for nothing?”

Indeed, the LGU Kalibo installation of the July 2013 - June 2016 officials was solemn, festive, and expensive. There were more delicious food, wine, intertainment. It epitomized the love of Filipino as well as the Aklanon to spend more during fiestas to entertain visitors, guests, and relatives regardless of the family’s economic status.  Never mind the cost but mind the enjoyment.

Among the eight members of the Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan, only four will return for the 2013 - 2016 term. They are Hon. Mark Sy, Hon. Nilda Buyoc-Tambong, Hon. George Quimpo, and Hon. Peter Gene Lao. /MP