November 7, 2023- With a sense of pride and responsibility to embark on their two-year term, the newly and re-elected barangay officials from Babak, Samal, and Kaputian Districts took their oath of office during the mass oath-taking administered by City Mayor Al David T. Uy.

In his speech, Mayor Uy congratulated the new sets of barangay officials and reminded them to be keen on monitoring the people coming in and out of their respective barangays to maintain the safety and security of the community. He also mentioned some existing challenges that they may face during their term, which include road concreting, water, power, and internet connectivity.

"kami nagahangyo na magtinabangay gyud ta ani especially sa pagdeliver sa basic services sa atoang mga nasakupan," he added and reminded the barangay officials to serve the constituents well.

Further, City Vice Mayor Lemuel Reyes highlighted the need to fast-track the passing of an ordinance for street naming in barangays, which is considered essential in the delivery of postal matters and serves as a direct guide for the locals and tourists. He also hopes the officials to work with the legislatures of the city for the continuous development of the island as a whole.

During the ceremony, the city councilors urged the barangay officials to serve their constituents regardless of political affiliations during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections and let it not influence their decisions and actions while in office.

Following the Department of the Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular No. 2023-166, City Local Government Operations Officer Jacqueline C. Estrada reiterated that the elected officials shall assume their position upon the final inventory and proper turn-over of the assets of the barangay of the sitting or outgoing officials. A maximum of three weeks upon proclamation is allocated to have a proper and smooth transition.

(SamalIslandInformation/NBC/RConcepcion)