June 29, 2010


Touching valedictory addresses characterized the the term-ending session for the 7th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Batangas Province, as it bid farewell to five board members from its four legislative districts.

Vice Gov. Mark Leviste, fresh from earning a landslide 2nd term victory in the last elections, thanked the out-going board members – 2nd District’s Sr. BM Godofredo Berberabe, Jr.; 1st District’s BM Benjamin Bausas; 3rd District’s Rodolfo Balba; 3rd District’s BM Chona Dimayuga; and 4th District’s Marietta Igarta - for their steadfast support and cooperation for the past three years, despite their being part of different political parties.
 
Leviste proudly highlighted that the local legislature’s unity allowed the smooth passage of ordinances and resolutions, paving the way for the fast completion of projects.  He likewise underscored the teamwork of the executive and the legislative branches of the province, which is exceptional, compared to past administrations, despite differences in views and beliefs.

Showing the most emotion was Berberabe, who had concluded his third straight term in office, and had to wear sunglasses to somehow cover the melancholy of the moment.  The departing legislators, except for Dimayuga, who was not able to attend, thanked their staff and their respective constituencies who made possible their tenures as public servants.

Bausas, in his speech, described Gov. Vilma Santos Recto as the local chief executive, who paid most attention to the concerns and opinions of board members as compared to the past two administrations he was able to serve with in his nine years in office.  This, he added, ensured the solid relationship between the governor and the members of the provincial sanggunian.

Newly-elected BMs Christoper de Leon of the 2nd District, Lorenzo Bausas (1st District) and Alfredo Corona (3rd District) were on-hand to witness the final legislative assembly of sanggunian members voted in during the May 2007 polls.  - Vince Altar