Incoming Sagay Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva vowed to lead a movement of selfless individuals fueled by volunteerism as he took his oath as the new city executive, along with the other officials, during the city’s 29th Charter Anniversary celebration at the City Gymnasium on June 11, according to a press release from Sagay PIO.
In his inaugural speech, Cueva said that as the incoming mayor he wants to lead this movement to encourage everyone to play an active part in community building.
“I want to spearhead a movement of selfless individuals who are deeply motivated by the spirit of volunteerism among our people,” he said.
Cueva, along with incoming Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr., second-termer Congressman Alfredo Maranon III, Provincial Board Member Arthur Christopher Maranon, and the 10 city councilors took their oath before RTC Judge Reginald Fuentebella at the newly-renovated city gym.
The incoming mayor also bared his executive platform “CUEVA” that stands for “Capacitating the Underprivileged through Education and Valuable Assistance” with core development priorities focused on education and children, jobs and investments, food security and agriculture, health and environment;
Culture and arts, human resources and skills development, sustainable tourism, infrastructure for growth, and good governance and citizen engagement.
“Yes, for the next three years, we should be more focused on improving our lives and reasserting our competitiveness, which will hinge on our resilience and the partnership of the government”, he said.
The oath-taking and inaugural ceremonies with the theme “we hold on together,” were also highlighted by the rondalla ensemble performance of Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School, SUNN-NIPAC “Bagani” dance, and Sinigayan Kahoneros’ “Padayon Sagaynon” performance.
Meanwhile, outgoing Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr. said that he is thankful for the three years that he has served as the city executive and sees his new position as vice mayor as an opportunity to continually serve the Sagaynons.
“It has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience to serve with our accomplishments despite the countless challenges along the way,” he said, adding “And I thank everyone for your trust and support.”
In the past three years under Javelosa’s administration, Sagay earned three Seals of Good Governance from the Department of Interior and Local Government, inaugurated new facilities and infrastructure, and garnered several local and international awards.
Incoming Provincial Board Member Maranon also said that with the assumption of Mayor-elect Cueva, Sagay will be guided by a clear and people-centered development agenda to uplift the lives of the Sagaynons and move the city forward with integrity and purpose.
“Let us also remember that the progress of Sagay and the 2nd District is not the work of one person alone nor one office alone. It is built and supported by all of us holding in together, working side by side sharing one vision for a stronger and brighter tomorrow,” he said.
Board Member Maranon, along with outgoing councilors Felisa Dela Cruz, Rodnel Delos Reyes, and Miller Serondo also received service awards during the ceremony.
This year’s charter celebration was also highlighted by the awarding of “Kampeon nga Sagaynon” Excellence Awards to actor Ronnie Lazaro, visual artist Nunelucio Alvarado, athlete and philanthropist Julie Uychiat, and retired General Victor Ibrado.
Rep. Maranon also said that he is thankful with the overwhelming support of the Sagaynons and for the trust and confidence that they have given him as their representative for the second district.
“I further echo the vision of initiating reforms in the field of agriculture, fisheries, aquatic resources, and natural resources which are considered the natural wealth of our nation,” he said.
“As we strive for a more inclusive and accountable governance structure, ‘let us hold on together,’ move forward with hope, determination, and a shared vision for a brighter tomorrow,” the congressman added.
After the program, the public officials inaugurated the P45 million Public Market in Brgy. Old Sagay.*
