CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella is the new chairman of the League of Cities of the Philippines.
He was elected from among 145 mayors from across the country who attended the league’s general assembly in Mandaluyong City last Friday, July 19.
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia was elected president while Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte was elected executive vice president.
It was the first time that the mayors met since their election in May.
For Labella, being voted as league chairman is a humbling experience, considering he is just on his first term as mayor.
“It’s a very pleasant surprise to my part to have been chosen as chairman in this prestigious group of city mayors. I never expected. I am honored and at the same time I am deeply humbled,” he said in his acceptance speech he posted on Facebook.