New, re-elected Pampanga officials take reins in ceremonies

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO –– Pampanga Governor-elect Dennis Pineda, his mother outgoing Gov. Lilia Pineda who was elected vice governor, and a multitude of new and re-elected officials took their oath of office in a Saturday (June 29) ceremony led by House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The Pinedas, four congressmen, 12 board members, 21 mayors, 21 vice mayors, and more than 200 councilors joined the rites held at the Laus Events Centre here.

The younger Pineda will take his seat as the 14th governor of the province on Monday (July 1).

The new governor said his new task would be a “tough challenge and honor” as he would continue his mother’s legacy.

The outgoing governor prioritized health and education programs during her term. “I ask you to give me also the chance to introduce modern ideas,” Pineda said.

The economic development of Pampanga, he said, is going to be guided by the Pampanga Megalopolis Plan, which Arroyo helped draft. The plan was designed to make Pampanga “safer from disasters, peaceful and more progressive.”

Arroyo earlier announced that she would serve as a consultant of the provincial government now that she is ending three terms as a member of Congress. Her son Juan Miguel Arroyo will replace her as Pampanga lawmaker. (Editor: Leti Z. Boniol)