BY FELIPE CELINO

ROXAS City — Newly-elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials should set aside politics as they try to provide the needs of their communities, according to Cavite 1st District Cong. Joseph Emilio Abaya.

Abaya recently facilitated the oath-taking of new barangay and SK officials here and in the province at the Capiz gymnasium.

In his speech, Abaya said the challenge to the new officials is to maximize their services to their constituents since the elections are over.

Abaya is the secretary-general of the Liberal Party (LP).

The mass oath-taking was graced by LP stalwarts, Gov. Victor Tanco, Vice Gov. Esteban Evan Contreras, Capiz 1st District Cong. Antonio del Rosario, Mayor Alan Celino, Vice Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, Emmanuel Billones, chief of staff of former Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and other LP elected officials here and in the province.

Thirty-five of the 47 newly-elected barangay captains here professed allegiance to the LP.

“LP now has the number needed to assure that it will get the presidency of the Liga ng mga Barangay for Roxas City,” said an LP stalwart.

Li-ong Barangay Captain Maria Caparas, aunt of Celino, is being groomed for top Liga post.

Tanco reminded the elected officials that the trust reposed on them by their constituents is sacred; therefore, it should not be abused.

Celino, on the other hand, reminded the officials to accept and imbue the principles by which the LP was founded.

“Noon at Ngayon, Liberal Marangal,” said Celino./PN