SANTIAGO, Ilocos Sur – Outgoing Mayor Josefino Miranda, who is now vice mayor-elect of this town, thanked Saturday his loyal supporters for electing his son Michael as the next mayor and called for peace and reconciliation with their political rivals. “We behaved and preferred not to confront the supporters of our two mayoral opponents to avoid clash and bloodshed,” said the incumbent mayor. He said he and his son are “offering an olive branch” symbolic of peace and unity to the two losing mayoral candidates, Redentor Cardenas and their relative Joselito Miranda, Sr. (Mar T. Supnad)

Census generates 1,697 jobs in CAR

BAGUIO CITY – At least 1,697 jobs were generated in the different parts of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), following the implementation of the ongoing national census being administered by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The enumerators were simultaneously dispatched in their respective areas of assignment to get demographics and characteristics of households, institutions and barangays for use of government and private entities in the formulation of their respective plans and programs for specific aspects of development. Before the conduct of the month-long census, regional, provincial, city and municipal coordinating committees were organized prior to the fielding of the enumerators for their proper guidance considering that most of those who were hired as enumerators were teachers. Engr. Olivia Gulla, NSO-CAR regional director, appealed to all households in the region to accommodate the enumerators who come to their doorsteps and ask several questions. (Dexter A. See)

Capitol receives Pineda’s team

SAN FERNANDO CITY – There are good early signs in the Capitol as the transition team of Governor-elect Lilia Pineda was warmly received by representatives of outgoing Gov. Eddie Panlilio for an initial meeting aimed at having smooth transition in government. Lawyer Vivian Dabu, provincial administrator, led department and unit heads in welcoming the 15-member transition team of Panlilio, headed by Engineer Rosve Henson. Henson, who led a group of accountants, doctors, engineers and other technical experts, said they were very thankful to Panlilio and his staff for the very cordial and professional treatment they received at the Capitol. Henson said Panlilio’s officials were gracious in presenting their reports on various programs undertaken by the incumbent. (Franco G. Regala)

Ranjit sees end to corruption

LINGAYEN – Former vice governor and now Board Member-elect Ranjit Shahani said Saturday that with Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III as leader of the nation, he sees corruption being weeded out in all levels of government. “Ang ating direction sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ay nakabase sa idolohiya ni Sen. Noynoy Aquino – walang corrupt, walang mahirap, kaya mga corrupt sa kapitolyo ingat (The direction of the Provincial Council is based on Sen. Noynoy Aquino’s ideology – no corruption, no poverty and those who are corrupt must beware.)” Shahani said. He said there may be disagreements in the beginning but eventually, progress will come after beating corruption. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)