New brgy officials take oath

CEBU, Philippines - Newly elected barangay officials allied with the Liberal Party in the first district of Cebu took their oath before Gov. Hilario Davide III at the Capitol yesterday.

Of the 130 barangays in the first district, only 47 barangay captains took their oath. They will assume office on December 1.

The district is composed of Talisay City with 22 barangays, Minglanilla, 19; Naga City, 28; San Fernando, 21; Carcar City, 15; and Sibonga, 25.

In Talisay City, only eight barangay captains attended; seven in Minglanilla; 21 in San Fernando; four in Carcar City; and six in Sibonga, while only eight councilors in Naga City.

Witnessing the oath taking ceremony were Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, Provincial Board Member Raul Alcoseba, Talisay City Mayor Johnny delos Reyes with Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante and some councilors; and San Fernando Mayor Antonio Canoy.

Davide and Magpale reminded barangay officials of the need for a good governance, transparency and accountability.

Sharing what he had witnessed in the typhoon-devastated Northern Cebu, Davide called on barangay officials to strengthen their barangay disaster risk reduction and management councils, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and awareness during calamities. — (FREEMAN)