ANGELES CITY – Saying that his administration was marked by challenging but exciting developments, outgoing League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) president Ed Pamintuan has turned over the mantle of leadership to his successor, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia on Friday, July 19.
“I was entrusted to lead the LCP at a period that was marked by challenging, yet exciting developments, both national and international, that impacted much on our local governments. But together, we pressed on, and we delivered substantial results that redound to the benefit of our members,” Pamintuan said.
“I am deeply grateful that each one of you has been supportive of this administration,” he added as he made his final address as LCP’s National President for 2016-2019.
The former threeterm mayor of this highly urbanized city also reported the accomplishments of his administration for the past three years.
Also present in the turnover ceremony was outgoing LCP national chair Cong. Lani Cayetano.
Meanwhile, Mayor Leonardia said he is humbled by his election as national president of the LCP, the organization of all 145 cities across the country.
“I am humbled by the trust given to me by my fellow city mayors,” he said in a published statement.
Leonardia was chosen to lead the league during the 68th General Assembly and Election of National Executive Board held at the Edsa Shangri-La Manila in Mandaluyong City on Friday afternoon.
Leonardia acknowledged that to be the national president is a great challenge because it imposes upon him the responsibility to help local government units (LGUs) become more innovative and effective in their public service.
“Governance is a dynamic thing and we always need new and fresh ideas on how we can improve our delivery of public services to our people,” he said.
Leonardia is the first mayor from Bacolod to be elected LCP national president in the league’s 31-year history.
Also elected were Edgardo Labella of Cebu City as national chairman; Ronnel Rivera of General Santos City, national vice chairman; Joy Belmonte-Alimurung of Quezon City, executive vice president; and Arnan Panaligan of Calapan City, secretary-general. Leonardia and the other LCP offi cials took their oath of office before Senator Francis Tolentino.
