BALANGA CITY – Elected officials of Bataan on Friday took their oath in mass oath-taking ceremony held at the Emiliana Hall in Balanga City.
Among those in the mass oath-taking were three children of outgoing Gov. Enrique “Tet” Garcia.
The former governor who was elected congressman of the second district failed to join the ceremony. He was in Malacañang with other members of the National Unification Party upon invitation of Pres. Benigno Aquino III.
Outgoing 2nd District Rep. Albert Garcia took his oath as new governor before Executive Judge Angelito Balderama. His elder sister Angela “Gila” Garcia took her oath as new mayor of Dinalupihan, Bataan while younger brother Jose Enrique Garcia III took his oath as re-elected mayor of Balanga City.
All mayors from 11 towns and one city as well as the vice-mayors and members of the sangguniang bayan and panlungsod were sworn in before the new governor.
Balderama administered the oath to re-elected Rep. Herminia Roman of the first district and members of the sangguniang panlalawigan in the first and second districts. Dexter Dominguez aka Teri Onor was among those elected to the SP on his second term.
The new governor described the mass oath-taking as simple but meaningful. He said they were ready to start with their duties and responsibilities on Monday. He called on both foes and supporters to unite and work as one for more success of the province.
Re-elected Mayor Ana Santiago of Abucay, Bataan echoed the same call by the young Garcia. “Magkaisa, magbigkis-bigkis tayo para sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan,” the mayor said.
Her husband, former Abucay Mayor Liberato Santiago , joined her in the oath-taking.
Barong for the men and Filipiniana for the women were the common attire of the day.
