Reconciliation marks Panay Christmas Village opening

By Felipe V. Celino

PANAY, Capiz — Putting words into action was the guiding purpose of new Panay Mayor Jonathan “Sonny” Besa, who extended reconciliation to his political opponents in Panay town as the political season ended and the Christmas season began.

The inaugural Christmas Village, initiated under Besa’s administration, made political history when former Mayor Vicente Bermejo and his family attended the opening of Paskwa sa Panay on Nov. 28, held in front of the Panay Municipal Hall and the historic Santa Monica Parish.

“Anyway, it’s not only through words that we wanted to extend reconciliation, but we must put it into action. That is why I’m happy that Mayor Vic was here to accept my offer,” Besa said.

In an interview with Daily Guardian on Saturday, Nov. 29, Besa said he personally invited Bermejo and his family to the event, thus restoring harmony between two groups long in political conflict.

In the May 2025 elections, outgoing Capiz 1st District board member Besa, with the campaign cry “Hilway Panay”, defeated incumbent mayor Bermejo, who campaigned under the slogan “Hidlaw Panay”.

Both leaders said the end of their political rivalry marks the beginning of a new era of unity and reconciliation—essential, they believe, for the municipality’s development.

The merging of these two well-known political slogans underscores that Panay town remains a home to the historic, brave, and freedom-loving Panayanon.

Bermejo previously served three terms as Panay mayor, three terms Capiz governor, and one term as Roxas City mayor.

Meanwhile, Besa reported that 17,002 families recently received PHP 5,005 each in cash aid through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program.

He said the distribution was completed in four days across six venues.

Earlier, the mayor had asked the DSWD to hold the distribution in abeyance after an initial list showed only 2,500 families qualified for aid.

Besa said he wanted all residents affected by the typhoon to benefit from the national government’s assistance. (With reports from Eduard Basilonia)