Oath-taking of newly elected officials

Inauguration of Newly Elected City Officials
June 29, 2007- VCTC
____________________________________________________________
I was given the rare opportunity to deliver a welcome address on three occasions. In 2001, during the inauguration of the New Vigan City Officials, when I first got elected as Vice Mayor, in 2004, during the turn-over of responsibilities from Mayor Eva to Mayor Ferdi, and today during our inauguration and turn-over of administration from Mayor Ferdi to Mayor Eva.

Vigan earned its mark in history when Vigan was listed in 1999 as a World Heritage Site in the United Nations. We made history when Vigan reclaimed its status as a City in 2001.

Today, we are again making history with the inauguration of Local Officials from the Mayor down to the Councilor who were elected belonging to the same political party.

You might be asking, what will happen to democracy if there will be concentration of power in one party. NOT in Vigan, I believe that we will transcend political affiliations when the general welfare is at stake. The secret of Vigan’s success is the fact that we have a strong leader who is open to constructive criticism and a City Council which is ready to cooperate.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our out-going officials. Mayor Ferdi Medina, thank you for upholding the independence of the Vigan City Council, thank you for being instrumental in making Vigan a multi-awarded city. Thank you for your outstanding service. Proudly, I can say you are truly a BIGUEÑO.

Councilors Jun Figuerres, Germy Goulart and Felix Aninag, thank you for keeping the flames of democracy alive in the City Council. Thank you for your contribution in making the City Council Dynamic, Responsible and Outstanding in the Province and in the Region.

I welcome the new Mayor, Eva Medina, Ma’am, we are ready to work with you. I also welcome our new legislators, Councilors Lulu Baquiran, George Villanueva and Benjo Verzosa. I hope to see you on Monday, during our first session day. Maligayang Pagbabalik sa inyo.

To all our guests, welcome to this inauguration and turn-over ceremonies.

(Welcome Address of Vice Mayor Franz Ranches during the Inauguration and Turn-Over Ceremonies for Incoming and Outgoing Vigan officials)