PB honors outgoing members today

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) is set to give today recognition for members who are on their last term and those who failed to get re-elected last May.

Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr., who is the acting governor, said the recognition is one way of acknowledging the contribution of the outgoing PB members.

Sanchez said that each member played an important role in the success of the legislative department.

The three members who are in their last term are PB Members Jose Maria Gastardo of the fourth district, Rosemarie Durano of the fifth District and Victor Maambong of the sixth district.

Of the three, only Maambong sought another elected position. He lost to Consolacion Mayor-elect Teresa Alegado. PB Member Durano’s seat at the PB will be replaced by her son, Thaddeus Jude Durano. Gastardo, meanwhile, will be replaced by Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura.

Another outgoing PB member is Wenceslao Gakit of the sixth district, who failed to win a second term at the Capitol’s legislative body. Before he was elected to the PB in 2007, Gakit had served three terms as Mandaue City councilor.

Gakit and Maambong will be replaced at the PB by former Mandaue City mayor Thadeo Ouano and former Cordova mayor Arleigh Sitoy.

Floor Leader Juan Bolo also failed in his reelection bid, and will be replaced by neophyte Board Member Serrie Restauro.

PB Member Victoria Corominas, on the other hand, sought reelection but lost to Balamban Mayor Alex Binghay in the third district.

Sanchez said the recognition ceremony today would be simple. It is meant to give honor for the PB members, who have not only done legislative work but also delivered development projects in their respective district.

Bolo and Maambong have always been recognized by the media for being active in responding to social issues.

Among the 15 PB members, the two always had the most number of resolutions and ordinances approved.

Maambong is one of the longest members of the provincial board. He served as municipal councilor of Consolacion town and elected as president of the Philippine Councilors League, so he used to sit as ex-officio member of the PB.

The PB members who were reelected are Julian Daan of the first district, Board Members Peter John Calderon and Wilfredo Caminero of the second district, Ian Zambo of the third District, Joven Mondigo Jr. of the fourth Disrict and Agnes Magpale of the fifth district — THE FREEMAN