Valenzuela City Mayor-elect Weslie "Wes" Gatchalian led the other elected city officials who took their oath of office at the Wes Arena in Barangay Punturin on Wednesday, June 29.
Joining Gatchalian in the oath-taking rites were re-elected Vice-Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, District 1 Representative-elect Rexlon "Rex" Gatchalian, re-elected District 2 Representative Eric Martinez and the new city councilors.
In his inaugural speech, Gatchalian said he aims to make Valenzuela a "liveable city" by developing and expanding its programs for wellness and sports, education, eco-tourism and events spaces, and housing.
He vowed to support the construction of the national government's North-South Commuter Railway and Metro Manila Subway projects during his term.
Gatchalian also promised to finish the 64 pending projects for flood control, roads, and housing which he initiated during his term as the first district representative.
The mayor thanked his family for their understanding, and the residents and local government officials for supporting his mayoral bid.
Gatchalian said he will continue his family's excellent service to the public as he is the third Gatchalian to take the city's top executive post, following his brothers Senator Sherwin and outgoing Mayor Rex Gatchalian.
"Napakalaking hamon na masundan ang kanilang yapak sa tagumpay ng pamumuno pero ako ay handang handa na tanggapin ang mandato at responsibilidad na gagampanan ko sa panibagong tungkulin sa bayan (It is a big challenge for me to follow their footsteps in successful leadership but I am ready to accept the mandate and responsibility of this new role for the city," he said.
Meanwhile, outgoing Mayor Rex Gatchalian thanked all the Valenzuelanos for allowing and supporting him as their mayor for three terms.
Senator Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian also took oath during the event.
Also present at the ceremony were Senator Imee Marcos, city and barangay officials, and employees.