Outgoing Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran turned over the gavel to incoming Vice Mayor Claudio Jesus Raymundo Puentevella during the last regular session of the 11th Bacolod City Council on Wednesday, June 25.
The gavel is a symbol of authority, order and leadership of the vice mayor in his role as presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), Familiaran said.
Familiaran, in his speech, said after nine years as vice mayor and presiding officer of the SP “I can proudly say that I am happy with what we have achieved to make Bacolod City what it is today – and hopeful for what lies ahead under the leadership of our new elected officials”.
“We may have debated over contrasting views, stood on opposing sides of an issue, yet we have managed to set aside our differences and come together for what is just and for the best interest of our constituents,” he said.
Familiaran said he leaves the SP in capable hands under Puentevella.
Familiaran is the only Bacolod vice mayor who has completed three consecutive terms. He also served as a barangay official for 21 years.
The SP thanked him and outgoing councilors Renecito Novero, Simple Distrito, Cindy Rojas and Vladimir Gonzales for their service to the city.*