Tuburan poll winners to hold "3 in 1" celebration

CEBU, Philippines - Newly elected Tuburan, Cebu Mayor Aljun Diamante will lead other local officials for a “three in one grand party celebration” this Sunday, June 17.

The people of Tuburan will be celebrating their annual fiesta this Sunday in honor of their patron saint, St. Anthony of Padua. At the same time, the winners of the recent elections will also have their thanksgiving and oath taking ceremonies.

“Actually, the day is a humility and worship day for me, my family and my supporters. I believe there was, as there always will be, a divine intervention behind my victory over my opponents who are veterans in politics. I, a neophyte in politics, ran for mayor in the last election with the only weapon I can muster, and that is prayer. I had nothing to depend on but to pray hard,” said Mayor-elect Diamante, who was up against the well-entrenched Suezo family in Tuburan.

“A sign that I had the support of the people of my town was when more than 6,000 held a torch parade to boost my morale when I filed for my candidacy,” Diamante added.

Aside from Diamante, Vice Mayor-elect Dominador “Ado” Pesiao and six other Sangguniang Bayan members who won under Diamante’s ticket will take oath this Sunday. They are Danilo Diamante, Marie Tabo-tabo, Andot Potencioso, Peding Montebon, Eddie Ondoy and Undo Mendoza.

Meanwhile, the two other councilors who won under their rival party chose to take their oath in a separate ceremony.

The celebration will also be attended by Cebu Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez Jr., who will also take his oath in Tuburan, his hometown.

A “people’s dinner” will be available to some 20,000 Tuburan residents and fiesta visitors at Diamante’s house. — Razel V. Cuizon, USJ-R Intern/JPM (FREEMAN NEWS)