BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Bacolod congressional candidate Daniel Alfonso “Dan” Atayde formally took his oath as a member of the Grupo Progreso at Acacia Hotel in Bacolod City last night.
Atayde was handed a GP uniform by his teammates, led by re-electionists Mayor Evelio Leonardia,Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, Councilors Cindy Rojas, Archie Baribar, Renecito Novero, and Israel Salanga.
Former City Administrator Em Ang, Marlon Solidum, Jonathan Diaz, Cashmere Montalvo, Ed Guillem, and Dr. Cris Sorongon who are all running for councilor under GP were all in attendance.
Also present during the oathtaking were former Bacolod mayor Luzviminda “Joy” Valdez and Atayde’s daughter, Tea.
Atayde thanked the team for accepting him into their family. This is something he did not expect when he filed his certificate of candidacy.
He said that as a member of the GP they will “move forward and fight this battle together.” He also bared legislations and projects he plans to push if elected which include the division of Bacolod into two congressional districts.
Leonardia said he is happy with how things have developed, referring to Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya falling out of the team.
“Overall, what happened to Grupo Progreso was a process that resulted in making the team even stronger and more cohesive and we have the right chemistry,” the mayor said.
Leonardia thanked the leadership of Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran for having kept them all together.
“I hope it is clear to Dan and his family that we have given to accept him as among us,” he added.*
