Inauguration, Oath-Taking and Turn-Over Ceremony for newly elected municipal officials of Loboc (June 3O, 2013, 3:30 PM @ JAD CULTURAL CENTER)

A special day for every Lobocanon, guest ambassadors arrived and warmly greeted by the usherettes upon stepping down the vehicle. They were warmly received by the outgoing Mayor Leon A. Calipusan, Mayor-Elect Helen C. Alaba, Sangguniang Bayan members, and municipal employees. Wearing definite smiles of gratitude, proud Lobocanons waved flaglets representing the ambassadors’ respective countries.

Inauguration, oath-taking and turn-over ceremonies of the new set of municipal officials was held last June 30, 2013 at the Joventino A. Digal Cultural Center, Loboc, Bohol.

Guest List includes, Mr. Argeo Melisimo, President of the Loboc Youth Education Association Incorporated, Mr. Ding Borja, a Successful Entrepreneur, His Excellency Mohsin Razi, the Ambassador of Pakistan to the Philippines, His Excellency Panha Tuot, the Ambassador of Cambodia to the Philippines, Sein New Aye, Charge de Affaires of Myanmar and Honorable Carlos Chan, Philippines’ Envoy to China. Different government and non-government agencies, barangay officials, private citizens, families and supporters of the elected officials were also present to witness the memorable event.

A Holy Mass at 3:30 in the afternoon officiated by Rev. Fr. Gerald Lopena, Parish Vicar of Loboc, started the ceremonies with Con-celebrants Rev. Fr. Andres Ayco, Rev. Fr. Joe “Joesum” Sumampong, and Rev. Fr. Oliver Saligan.

An invocation led by Rev. Fr. Ayco opened the program followed by the Hymns led by Ms. Christine Barrete and the statement of purpose delivered by Mr. Sofronio Abing, Jr., Municipal Local Government Operations Officer.

The newly elected Sangguniang Bayan members, Erwin F. Baquial, Asterio B. Calacar, German T. Palapar, Eduardo S. Delfin, Margel C. Hilot, Coleto B. Toledo, Cosme C. Ocho and Eusebio T. Bernaldez, took their oath of office before Provincial Governor Edgar M. Chatto. Accompanied on stage by their respective family members who looked on with pride, they raised their hands and recited their oath.

Vice-Mayor Pablio “Bebot” Sumampong, was called to the stage next. The Signature smile of the newly-elected Vice-Mayor was reflected in the faces of his mother, wife, and children. The whole community smiled too, as Hon. Bebot Sumampong took his oath before Gov. Edgar M. Chatto.

The Mayor’s turn came. Mayor-elect Helen C. Alaba and family members gathered upfront, including the outgoing Mayor, Hon. Leon A. Calipusan, who stood with great pride, honor and profound gratitude as the present leadership of the municipality is passed on to his beloved sister. Mayor Alaba, with her loud and clear voice, confidently recited her oath of office administered by Gov. Ed Chatto.

Right after the oath-taking ceremonies, Gov. Ed Chatto delivered a brief and precise message of congratulations to the newly elected officers. He then stressed the accomplishments of Hon. Mayor Leon Calipusan as the greatest development of the municipality of Loboc. Consequently, the development shall continue because the set of newly elected officers’ majority come from the same party. Thus Gov. Ed is thankful enough for the Lobocanons unity and cooperation.

The Loboc Tourism Office Employees (left) with their contemporary interpretative dance added a taste of entertainment to the event, and the LP Dancers (right) energized the crowd with a hot dance number.

Afterwards, Hon. Leon A. Calipusan acknowledged the guests and all who witnessed the event and then delivered his message. He then highlighted the progress of the municipality during his term of office up to the present. The banner line LIT HOPE (stands for LIVELIHOOD, INFRASTRUCTURE, TOURISM, HEALTH, ORGANIZATION STRENGTHENING, PEACE AND ORDER, AND EDUCATION) summarized his dreams for the Lobocanon to associate and dream with. The banner line which in the vernacular means “suga sa paglaum” or “dagkuti ang paglaum”, is the 7 point agenda that guided him for the past 9 years of public service. The three (3) awards bestowed by independent and objective institutions are the living testimonies of his efforts during his term of office: The Seal of Excellence Award by the Civil Service Commission, The Seal of Good Housekeeping awarded by the DILG and the Galing Pook Award by Galing Pook Foundation.

During the Turnover ceremony, Hon. Leon Calipusan said that he is confident enough that mayor Helen Alaba can do much better than what he has done and is comfortable to exit knowing that Loboc will be in better hands for the next 3 years.

Acceptance messages then proceeded. Mayor Helen delivered her acceptance speech confidently and with great honor. She laid down her dreams, her idealism, and her passion to continue transforming Loboc further into a more progressive and vibrant community.

Master of Ceremonies, Engr. Teodosia S. Bernaldez then introduced DSWD Officer/Social Welfare Officer, Mrs. Dioscora A. Sumampong, as she handed over the program to her as she has to keep the guest ambassadors and their family members company to another Lobocanon pride, the Loboc Tourism Complex.

The event ended with packed meal courtesy of the new set of officials of the municipality of Loboc.

Now, the future is still their visions. Development and accomplishments we see today are but fractions of these dreams. Let us put behind the bitterness and heartaches that came with the recent poll campaign. Let us forgive, forget and pray for unity and prosperity. Divided, we will not conquer anything. Let us dream together and, UNITED, let us make LOBOC, A PIECE OF HEAVEN!

There’s no stopping here . . .  Please visit these page and website for further information about the ambassadors’ visit to Loboc, A PIECE OF HEAVEN.