‘Follow requisites, undergo training,’ Mayor reminds newly elected officials

Mayor Raymund Tongson of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental called on newly elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan to follow the essential directives and attend training before assuming the post.

Tongson emphasized the importance of fulfilling these requisites for a smooth turnover of responsibilities from the outgoing officials.

“We need to follow what is directed under the law. The City Mayor’s Office, together with our partners in our local DILG Office and the Local Youth Development Office, are here to support our newcomers and re-elected officials for an uninterrupted service to Himamaylanons,” he said.

On Nov. 5, DILG-6 Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero, reiterated the contents of Memorandum Circular No. 2023-166 or Guidance on the assumption of office and other relevant directives issued by DILG secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. last Oct. 31.

Among the post-election documents newly-elected officials need to submit is a copy of the full, true and itemized statement of all statements of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) within 30 days after the day of the election to the COMELEC.

Mayor Tongson also urged all newly elected officials and Himamaylanons to re-unite after the events of the campaign period.

He added that the newly-elected leaders should revert their focus to serving constituents in their respective barangays.

He also appealed to the newly elected barangay ang SK officials and those who failed to be victorious in the polls to never stop dreaming and working to serve Himamaylan.

The tentative date for the mass oath taking of newly elected officials in Himamaylan is on Nov. 24.

Challenging new SK officials

Mayor Tongson also underscored that the new SK officials must be take their new responsibilities seriously.

“You have big shoes to fill, but I believe that you can become effective leaders in your own ways,” he added.

He also assured the young elected officials that his office will be open should they need assistance in adopting the existing programs of the City Mayor’s Office to their respective barangays,

In the coming year, the City Mayor’s Office together with the City Government of Himamaylan City will relaunch and strengthen scholarships, education, arts and culture, and sports programs for the youth.

“This is a good opportunity for our new SK leaders to introduce more effective programs and projects that will benefit all Himamaylanon youth,” Mayor Tongson said.

Himamaylan youth are currently enjoying scholarships and educational assistance from the City Mayor’s Office, the mayor said, “your role as SK leaders is to introduce the good news to more of our youth to avail of this opportunit to quality and free education.”