Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia delivered his final message as the top city executive Wednesday at the Bacolod City Government Center, where he paid tribute to Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and Grupo Progreso peers, as well as barangay captains for staying with him in his public service journey during the last 18 years.
In a late afternoon program at the BCGC lobby, where he administered the oath of office of Familiaran, he thanked as well the city councilors and village heads for their role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and for sticking out with him in his political career that spanned for over 30 years.
“You are the best thing that ever happened to me,” an emotional Leonardia, who made history as the longest-serving mayor of Bacolod, whose economy he helped steer by aggressively pursuing a marketing campaign under his watch to invite big corporate players that transformed Sugarlandia’s capital into one of the most dynamic highly-urbanized cities in the country today.
Familiaran was accompanied by his wife, Portia, during the oath-taking rites.
The mayor also swore into office GP Councilors Israel Salanga, Em Legaspi-Ang, Cindy Tan-Rojas and veteran legislator Renecito Novero.
Also attending the event were outgoing Sangguniang Panlungsod Members Archie Baribar, Ann Marie Palermo and Dindo Ramos.
Joining them were GP aspirants for the city council Jonathan Diaz, Dr. Chris Sorongon, Marlon Solidum and Ed Guillem.
“Deep in our hearts, we know that we are all winners,” said Leonardia, a statement that elicited wild cheers and deafening applause from red-shirted attendees.
Addressing his loyal political supporters, party mates and barangay captains, he further said “you are the reason why I stayed this long (as mayor).”
“You are the reason why I started this journey because when I met all of you, I fell in love with you,” he added.
Leonardia recalled that in his younger days, his close associates never thought he would enter the world of politics.
First Lady Elsa Leonardia and daughter Kara also joined the mayor during the oath-taking ceremonies.
Leonardia is the only official in Bacolod that occupied all elective posts starting as No. 1 councilor in 1988, vice mayor, mayor, congressman and staging a successful come-back as mayor in 2016.*
