Mayor Juan Carlo Medina was formally installed as the new mayor of the well–known world’s heritage city in a fiesta themed event at the Vigan Convention Center last June 29, 2016.
The event started with a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Msgr. Vicente Avila, parish priest of St. Paul Cathedral, together with Rev. Fr. Roque Reyes, afterwhich, a spiritual oath was administered to the new set of city officials.
The Members of the 6th City Council which include SPM Janina Carine Singson-Fariñas, SPM Kisses Marquisse Agdamag-Lim, SPM John Patrick Singson, SPM Joy Benette Orio, SPM Third Ranches, SPM Ramil Arce, SPM Kristen Benedict Figuerres, SPM Tante Benzon, SPM Boying Apelin and SPM Reynaldo Florentino were presented to the audience together with their families and was sworn in by Congressman DV Savellano.
Governor Ryan Luis Singson, on the other hand, administered the oath-taking of Vigan City Vice Mayor Lourdes “Lulu” Baquiran. In his speech, he thanked all the Bigueños for their support in his endeavors to make the province more progressive.
Out-going three termer councilors George Villanueva and Benjo Versoza were also given recognitions. SPM Villanueva described as a humble and compassionate councilor and SPM Versoza the optimistic and daring type were given a locally made “butaka” as a token for their exemplary diligence, commitment and dependability in the realization of the executive agenda.
The night became emotional when the Tribute to Mayor Eva Marie S. Medina was shown. In the video, she was described by her colleagues in public service as a selfless, noble, and generous public servant. All were teary-eyed when she delivered her valedictory address especially during the part when she said, “I step down with high hopes for sustainability, with deep humility and most of all with endless gratitude. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being with us in enabling the small city with big dreams realize and live these dreams. I shall not say goodbye but I look forward to that day when our paths shall cross again as I move from public service to civic work.”
After her speech, Mayor Eva sworn into office Mayor Juan Carlo Medina as the new mayor of Vigan City. The City Seal which symbolizes the responsibility of a chief executive was also turned-over to Mayor Carlo. In his heartwarming speech, he said that he will always take care of the city he loves most. He may not surpass all the achievements that her mother did for Vigan, but with the help of every Bigueño, he will surely be able to continue the legacy that his family have started. //jguiterrez