CANDABA, Pampanga – A wave of optimism and unity swept through this town’s trade center as thousands of residents, barangay officials, and local leaders gathered to witness the formal inauguration and oath-taking ceremony of Mayor Rene Estacio Maglanque, Vice Mayor Thelma Macapagal, and the newly elected Sangguniang Bayan members.
The historic event began with a Thanksgiving Mass at the century-old San Andres Church, where the elected officials and their families offered prayers for wisdom, transparency, and a future grounded in unity and shared purpose.
Taking his oath for another term as mayor, Mayor Maglanque, now on his fourth mandate, reflected on his humble beginnings and reaffirmed his commitment to ethical and visionary leadership.
“Sa buhay kabataan ko, hindi ko pinangarap ang manungkulan sa gobyerno,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude. “Ngunit nang ito ay ipinagkatiwala sa akin ng mga Candabeño, sa tulong ng Panginoon, isinapuso ko ang paggawa ng tama at malinis na pamamahala.”
The mayor outlined his renewed development agenda focused on five key pillars – Agriculture, Infrastructure, Education, Health and Employment.
He stressed that his administration’s programs will not be temporary reliefs but lasting solutions that uplift every Candabeño family.
“Ang mga proyekto at programang aking gagawin ay iyong pang habang buhay na pakikinabangan ng bawat pamilyang Candabeño,” he added.
Mayor Maglanque also noted that all his electoral victories were clean and honorable: “Lumaban ako ng malinis, patas, walang paninira. Taas noo kong ipinagmamalaki na pinanalo ako ng mayorya ng mga Candabeño.”
He added that one of his greatest dreams – for every Candabeño youth to graduate from college – is steadily being realized.
“Ang pangarap nating isang bayang tahimik, maunlad, at may kinabukasan para sa bawat pamilya ay unti-unti nang nagkakatotoo,” he said.
The oath-taking of other newly elected officials followed, including Councilors Jao Bondoc, JM Sagum, Queenie Culala, Camille Bulaon, Elmer Gonzales, Lycca Basa, Alvin Carpio, and Donya Salac, who committed to working hand-in-hand for a more progressive Candaba.
Vice Mayor Macapagal, who will lead the Sangguniang Bayan, echoed the mayor’s sentiments, vowing to champion legislation that benefits the people and advances the town’s collective goals.
The crowd’s overwhelming presence, cheers, and heartfelt applause reflected a deep trust in the incoming leadership. It was not just an oath-taking – it was a renewal of the people’s faith in honest governance and a shared dream for lasting change.
“Tulong-tulong sa pagsulong! Ikaw pa muli!” Mayor Maglanque declared, concluding his speech with a resounding call for unity.
