The newly-elected officials of the City of Tagbilaran for 2016-2019 took their individual oath of office yesterday afternoon, June 30, right after solemn rites for the blessing of the newly-rehabilitated City Hall Building.

City Mayor John Geesnell“Baba” Yap had Governor Edgar M. Chatto as inducting officer while City Vice Mayor Jose S. Antonio Veloso was sworn in by Congressman Rene L. Relampagos.

Re-elected with an overwhelming majority vote, Mayor Yap in his Inaugural Address, declared: “I know much is expected of this victory and I accept the challenge to surpass the accomplishments achieved during my first term.”

Incoming members of the 13^thSangguniangPanlungsod, councilors-elect Atty. Adam RelsonJala, Joseph Bompat, Philip Besas, Alberta Torralba, Dulce Glovasa, Atty. Augustinus Gonzaga, Jonas Cacho, and Engr. Vicente Polinar took their oath of office before Judge Suceso A. Arcamo while Engr. Eliezer Lagura Borja had Judge Maria Elisa Ello-Ochoco as his inducting officer.

While it was raining almost the whole day, the sun turned bright and golden a few minutes before the blessing of the new City Hall led by Rev. Fr. Valentino U. Pinlac, STL.

At its present location, the Tagbilaran City Hall was inaugurated in 2003 under the administration of former Mayor Jose V. Torralbabut the structure was heavily damaged during the 7.2 magnitude earthquake on October 15, 2013. PhP78 million worth of funds from the National Government under the Bohol Earthquake Assistance or BEA was poured in for its rehabilitation.

Structurally sound and with a reinforced foundation, the newly-rehabilitated city hall is highlighted byintricate architectural details, additional emergency exits, an elegant glass automatic sliding door, and a functional elevator. It will also have on its frontage a mini park with water features and has built-in design for an efficient traffic flow and parking area.

The historic oath taking and city hall blessing took place on the eve of the city’s Golden Charter Day celebration.

The event was capped with the giving of awards for outstanding city hall employees. Certificates of Recognition were given to City Assessor Livio K. Sarabia; City Civil Registrar Virgilia S. Incog; LeonitaRelamida and Virginia O. Manguilimotan of the City Treasurer’s Office.

Awardees for their 20 years of Service were:AntonetteAbellana, AprodecioAdecer, MenirandaAlcantar, Conception Arboleras, Rogelio Baldapan, FlorenciaBandija,ElenorBeniga, Imelda Borbon, GracianoButlig, AnicetaCabalit, Aida Cagadas,FelicitasCalamba, Maria MicelynCandelario, Linda Erano, Oliver Galolo,FerminLumantas Jr., Sheila Mendoza Palma Anunciacion Montejo,VictorinaNiluag, Ma. Decima Paz,NivenPilayre, Marcelo Rebuta. Raul Romo. Jocelyn Sanchez and Leonardo Villagonzalo.

The awardees for 15 years of service include: Estelito Agua, Antonio Botero, Lucille Clarin, Ma. Teresa Dohig, Sheryll Duran, Emilia Escobilla, MarchChristineIgang, Eliezer Inojales, Efren Maslog, Gerardo Ordidor, Elena Paltad, Alfonso Romares, AnacletoSocong, Myla Sumampong and Renato Torralba.

A Special Award was given to Ms. NemesiaLanit for 25 years of Voluntary Service as Barangay Nutrition Scholar.

Certificates of Commendation were also awarded to SPO4 YolandoBagotchay, PO3ClydLagumbay, PO2 Ignacio Inojales, PO2 Gary Labial, PO2 Richie Lovete, PO1 Ray Neil BIbat, PO1 John Butch Epile, PO1 Maris Aldrin Gabuya, PO1 Manual Manatad Jr., PO1 Bart Paredes, and PO1 GenelynPude.

The whole affair was made more celebratory with the music and accompaniment of the Tagbilaran City Singing Ambassadors under the baton of Prof. Joshibiah “Butch” Gaa de Juan. (SonietaDeguitLabasan)