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| Incoming Mayor Edward T. Quilala of Currimao (3rd from left) takes his oath of office before Ilocos Norte RTC Executive Judge Francisco R.D. Quilala (left). Looking on are their children and other relatives. (Reynaldo E. Andres) |
By Reynaldo E. Andres
Contributor
Currimao, Ilocos Norte—This coastal town in southern Ilocos Norte voted for change in the recent May elections; in the process defeating a dynasty that began 31 years ago.
New Currimao Mayor Edward “Boyet” T. Quilala took his oath on June 28, 2019 before Ilocos Norte Regional Trial Court (RTC) Executive Judge Francisco R.D. Quilala, his relative.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Quilala said he wants to institute reforms and progress in Currimao because it is “my humble dream and part of my vision. I’ll try my best to fulfill this within three years.”
In asking the support and sympathy of the people, Mr. Quilala quoted part of one of the speeches of President Rodrigo Duterte who said that “no leader, however strong, can succeed at anything of significance unless he has the support and cooperation of the people he is tasked to lead and sworn to serve.”
The new mayor said that in order to reap the fruit of progress [in Currimao], there should be reconciliation and unity because “it no longer matters whether you voted [for] me or not.”
“As your new mayor, I humbly open my heart for reconciliation and want to reach out your arms for unity,” he said, while praising the good accomplishments of his predecessor.
In an interview, Mr. Quilala said he will tap the rich resources of Currimao and develop them as a potential tourism hub. Foremost of these are the seashores of the town that are considered best and the safest places of recreation in the province.
The mayor said that his first agenda is to develop the town’s rich resources “so that they will serve as sustainable livelihood for our people. I urge you to safeguard our seas and mountains, and nurture our forest and rivers, and fortify them,” he said.
Edward is the son of Cirilo M. Quilala, who served as Currimao mayor from 1965 to 1986. When local elections were held in 1988 after the transition to a new constitution during the Aquino presidency, Wilbur Go was elected as mayor, with family members taking turns in succeeding him from office for 31 years.
New vice mayor, 5 councilors nixes joint inauguration
New Currimao Vice Mayor Sandra T. Cabreros and her party mates who won in the Sangguniang Bayan race during the May 13 elections: Charles Anthony Lazo, Jaylord Fernando, Loreto Vidad, Margarita Allado, and Isabelo Aglipay Jr. refused to join Mr. Quilala on his scheduled inauguration.
The six Currimao officials all ran under former Currimao Mayor Gladys Go-Cue.
Only three Currimao councilors were present in the oath-taking ceremony that was held at the ground lobby of the municipal hall. They were Mark Louie Aglipay and Reuben Silao, the new mayor’s party-mates; and Elmer Reyno, an independent candidate.
“I don’t know [the reason] why they didn’t come despite of an invitation issued to them,” said former Currimao councilor and Mr. Quilala’s vice mayoralty candidate Kent Raguindin, adding that if could have been better if they joined the mayor in the inauguration ceremonies.
Few observers that were present during the event said that maybe the group wants a separate inauguration ceremony later, but majority of those present thought otherwise.
“Bitterness has no room for this new administration,” said one senior citizen who asked not to be identified, adding that it is now time for the people to unite for the progress of Currimao.