Tagum News: Rellon outlines vision for Tagum in rousing inaugural speech

Tagum City Mayor Allan Lopez Rellon rallied for peace and unity in his inaugural address following his swearing in as this city's local chief executive for 2013 to 2016 held at the Christ The King Cathedral, Dr. Juan Gonzalez Avenue last June 28, 2013.
 

Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon takes his oath of office with his family as the local chief executive of the City of Tagum last June 28, 2013 at the Christ The King Cathedral, Dr. Juan Gonzalez Avenue, Tagum City. Photo by Rhea Mae Magbanua of CIO Tagum

"Let us mark this day with remembrance as the day when we all start to mark together toward the fulfillment of our dreams and together let us all be the strong and mighty wings that will bring our beloved Tagum City to greater heights." 

In his 18-minute speech, the 44-year old mayor delivered a rousing message whose theme evolved on good governance and being sensitive to people’s needs. He also sketched his vision of governance through his EAGLE WINGS Program that gives priority on education, employment, agriculture, peace and security, livelihood and tourism, economy and affordability of taxes, wellness, NGO empowerment, good governance and social services.

Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon takes his oath of office with his family as the local chief executive of the City of Tagum. Administering the oath of office is Tagum City Executive Judge Rowena Adlawan last June 28, 2013 at the Christ The King Cathedral, Dr. Juan Gonzalez Avenue, Tagum City . Photo by Rhea Mae Magbanua of CIO Tagum

Of all this, two distinct promises elicited applause from the audience: his willingness to curb the prevalent summary killings in the city and the deferment of the controversial real property tax.

"On this day I pledge this administration to your service. I pledge that we shall extend the protection and the services of the local government to everyone, fairly and impartially—to the rich and the poor, the learned and the unlettered."

In spirit of good governance, Rellon promised to uphold public interest above anything else; stressing that he "recognizes no party but our city and no family but the great family of Tagumeños."

Vice Mayor Geterito Gementiza takes his oath of office as the head of the 6th City Council of Tagum last June 28, 2013 at the Christ The King Cathedral officiated by Tagum City Executive Judge Rowena Adlawan. Joining him is his family headed by former Mayor Gelacio Gementiza. Photo by Rhea Mae Magbanua of CIO Tagum

Rellon was officially sworn in by Judge Rowena Adlawan who also administered the oath of Vice Mayor Geterito Gementiza and the 10 councilors who will compose the 6th City Council of Tagum. This include Councilors Francisco Remitar, Alan D. Zulueta, Nicandro Suaybaguio Jr., Oscar Bermudez, Eva Lorraine Estabillo, Macario Bermudez II, Tristan Royce Aala, Agripino Coquilla Jr., Samuel Angoy, and Fernand Bordios.

The councilors who will compose the upcoming 6th City Council of Tagum take their oath of office last June 28, 2013 officiated by Tagum City Executive Judge Rowena Adlawan at the Christ The King Cathedral.  The 10 councilors who will compose the 6th City Council of Tagum, in photo (from left to right) Councilors Francisco Remitar, Alan D. Zulueta, Nicandro Suaybaguio Jr., Oscar Bermudez, Eva Lorraine Estabillo, Macario Bermudez II, Tristan Royce Aala, Agripino Coquilla Jr., Samuel Angoy, and Fernand Bordios. Joining them are their immediate family members. Photo by Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum

A jam-packed cathedral stood witness to the historic event, which was marked with the highest sense of solemnity. The audience was composed of different government functionaries, civic society organizations, religious groups and the Tagumeños from all walks of life. Before the swearing in, a Pontifical Mass was held and was officiated by Bishop Wilfredo D. Manlapaz.

Mayor Rellon explained the importance of invoking God’s presence in the start of his administration, agreeing to what Bishop Manlapaz said as a way of promoting a culture of prayer and mutual cooperation between the church and the local government.

In perhaps what could be the best proof that Tagum is indeed the city in perfect harmony, outgoing Mayor Rey T. Uy turned-over the symbolic key of responsibility to Mayor Rellon after the former’s speech where he thanked the Tagumeños for the support they had extended in his three consecutive terms as Tagum’s top leader.

Outgoing Mayor Rey T. Uy turned over the key of responsibility to incoming City Mayor Allan L. Rellon during the inauguration ceremony last June 28, 2012 at the Christ The King Cathedral. In his speech, the outgoing mayor called on Tagumeños to support the new administration. Photo by Leo Timogan of CIO Tagum

“The upcoming leadership of Mayor Allan L. Rellon will surely herald a new chapter of our beloved city. As we journey into this another trip with Mayor Rellon’s leadership, let us continue to support and help each other for the continuous progress of our great city,” Uy said in his speech.  Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum