The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Vigan City officially opened the Legislative Awareness Week Celebration on September 29, 2025, at Vigan City Hall, marking the beginning of a week dedicated to promoting public understanding of the legislative process and its vital role in local governance.

The celebration began with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by the launching of the Vigan City Comprehensive Fisheries Code — a significant legislative milestone dedicated to the late Former City Councilor Dr. Liborio “Libong” Arca, whose visionary leadership and numerous ordinances helped strengthen the city’s agricultural and fisheries sectors. The launching program was held at the Vigan Convention Center.

The event was attended by City Mayor Randy Singson, Vice Mayor Atty. Glendale Benzon, members of the 9th City Council, Sanguniang Panlalawigan Member Constante Benzon, the family of the late Dr. Arca, barangay captains, city department heads, and division chiefs.

SPM Edmund Ayco, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food Security, welcomed everyone and presented the rationale behind the fisheries code, highlighting Dr. Arca’s extensive contributions to agriculture and fisheries development. Followed by a message, Mr. Rafael Arca, son of Dr. Arca, expressed the family’s heartfelt gratitude to the City Government of Vigan for honoring his father’s legacy.

City Mayor Randy Singson emphasized the importance of the Comprehensive Fisheries Code, noting its role in ensuring food security, empowering fisherfolk, and safeguarding marine resources — a cause that Dr. Arca passionately championed. Meanwhile, SPM Ramil Arce delivered a tribute underscoring the lasting impact of Dr. Arca’s service to the city and its people.

Following the launching ceremony, the Sangguniang Panlungsod held a regular session, were barangay captains served as honorary counterparts of the city council members, giving them first-hand experience of the legislative process. Vice Mayor Atty. Glendale Benzon presided over the session, joined by Barangay Captain Jonae Avila of Barangay San Julian Sur as Honorary Vice Mayor. Each councilor had a barangay counterpart, representing the spirit of participatory governance and collaboration between city and barangay leadership.

The rest of the council’s honorary counterparts were as follows:

• SPM Kisses Marquisse Agdamag-Lim – Barangay Captain Julian Manayan (Barangay Cabalangegan)

• SPM Joy Benette Orio – Barangay Captain William Verzosa (Barangay IV)

• SPM Evaristo Singson III – Barangay Captain Mario Camello (Barangay Pantay Fatima)

• SPM Larry Raboy – Barangay Captain Antonio Arcellana (Barangay IX)

• SPM Jay Andia – Barangay Captain Jayson Tejano (Barangay II)

• SPM Karen Baquiran – Barangay Captain Benjamin Ablog (Barangay Mindoro)

• SPM Ramil Arce – Barangay Captain Mark Louie Cabanig (Barangay Paoa)

• SPM Nestor Pajaro – Barangay Captain Charito Natividad (Barangay Beddeng Daya)

• SPM Ada Joana Fe Artajos – Barangay Captain Jovencio Beleno Jr. (Barangay Camangaan)

• SPM Edmund Ayco – Barangay Captain Mac Darius Valdez (Barangay Raois)

• ABC Vice President Enrico Shawn Patrick Singson – Barangay Captain Wilfredo Pido Jr. (Barangay Ayusan Norte)

• PPSK Vice President Carl Louie Alquetra – Barangay Captain Ryan Formoso (Barangay I)

Barangay Captain Jonae Avila expressed her gratitude to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the opportunity to serve as presiding officer, describing the experience as both meaningful and educational. She also shared her appreciation for being part of the deliberations on resolutions and ordinances, which gave her a deeper understanding of the legislative process.