Local Government Unit officials took their oath as the newest members of the PDP-Laban political party

There were 4,000 Local Government Unit officials from the Province of Northern Samar who recently took their oath as the newest members of the PDP-Laban political party at the Gymnatorium of the University of the Eastern Philippines.

The inductees included 21 Mayors, 23 Vice Mayors, and Sangguniang Bayan members of the 24 municipalities of the province. Their Induction Ceremony was led by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who spoke about the importance of solidarity towards progress in the country. In his speech, he thanked Gov. Jose L. Ong, 2nd District Rep. Emil Ong and former Northern Samar representative Emil L. Ong for accepting the PDP-Laban party, of which Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte is Chairman, into their province.

Along with the oath-taking was a Basic Membership Seminar conducted by PDP-Laban Education Chair Rufina Arcega and youth leader Jacksen Sobreo. Of the 24 Municipalities in the Province, 21 are now under the PDP Laban Banner. Among them are Francisco Rosales of Catarman, Ma. Luisa Menzon of Lapinig, Hector Ong of Laoang, Clarence Dato of San Jose, Quintin Saludaga of Lavesares, and Tim Capoquian of Gamay.

Mayor Don L. Abalon, LMP Spokesperson and President of the Mayors League of Northern Samar

Special guests at the event included Cong. Zajid Mangudadatu of Maguindanao's 2nd District who delivered a talk on his hope for unity among the Muslims, Christians, and IPs all over the country. Cong. Karlo Nograles, of Davao City’s 1st District, talked about the benefits of the Free Higher Education Law and Free Farmers Irrigation. Local politicians such as former Cong. Emil Ong, former Governor and Mayor Madeleine Mendoza-Ong, Mayor Hector Ong, Governor Jun Ong, Rep. Raul Daza, Vice Governor Garry Lavin, Board Members Fawa Batula, Dex Galit, and Vicvic Singzon and Gina Silvano were in attendance.

Cong. Edwin Onchuan

The successful event was organized by Cong. Edwin Onchuan, Gov. Jose Ong, Board Member Tess Gillamac and Atty. Mayor Don Abalon, who is also the spokesperson for the LMP and President of the Mayor's League of Northern Samar. The local PNP and Military forces were on hand to help facilitate peace and order at the event.

Gov. Jose Ong

Gov. Jose Ong considers this mass induction as the culminating effort to consolidate the PDP ranks in Northern Samar.  In his welcome remarks, the Governor acknowledged Speaker Alvarez’ close guidance in organizing the party in the Province. “We dedicate our triumphs to the People of Northern Samar, and we hope that in a Federalist system of government, we would no longer be left behind, for us to be a more progressive province in the region as its resources will now be distributed proportionately in the region in general and in the province in particular.”