Mayor-elect Alston Kevin Anarna of Silang, Cavite took his oath of office on Saturday, June 25, after toppling a family that ruled the town for almost three decades in the May 9 elections.
Anarna defeated former Silang Cavite Mayor Omil Poblete in the recent mayoral race. The Pobletes held the municipality’s top position since 1995.
The oath-taking of the 37-year-old official was administered by Supreme Justice Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez at the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria Church in Silang, Cavite.
Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla also attended the event.
In his inaugural speech, Anarna thanked the Silangueños and promised them big changes in running the local government and in delivering social services to the people.
“Malaki ang aking pasasalamat sa mga minamahal kong kapwa Silangueño dahil pinayagan nila akong manguna para sa pagbabago dito sa Silang. Ang pagkapanalo ko sa nakaraang halalaan ang isang malakas na mensahe ng aking mga kababayan na gusto nila ng galing, husay, talino at malasakit (I am extremely grateful to all my beloved Silangueños because they let me lead in making the essential changes here in Silang. My win in the just concluded election is a strong message that the citizens of Silang want a person who has the necessary skills, knowledge, and sincerity to lead them toward the future)," Anarna said.
“Sa ilalim po ng aking pamumuno, wala na pong kulay ang pulitika - walang blue or pink o kung ano pa mang political affiliation. Puti na lang ang kulay natin para walang bias at tayo as iisa. Kaya po pinakikiusapan ko ang ating mga kapitan ng barangay at mga kawani ng lokal na pamahalaan na iwaksi na po natin ang pulitika. Ngayon naman, oras na para magtrabaho at ibalik sa mamamayang Silangueño ang serbisyong publiko na nararapat (Under my leadership, there will be no colors in politics. No more blue or pink or whatever political affiliations. White is our color so there will be no bias and we are one. That's why I urge all barangay chairmen, officials, and employees to shun political biases. It is now the time to work and give back to Silangueños the public service they deserve)," he added.
Among his administration's priorities are improvement of services of the local government, a weekly caravan at different barangays for easier access to social and medical benefits, redevelopment of the Silang Public Market, and the improvement of the municipality’s problematic waste management and collection.