PB post "fulfillment of a dream"

CEBU, Philippines - His appointment into office as member of the Cebu Provincial Board was a fulfillment of one of his childhood dreams to accept a position that has the capacity to protect, support, assist and help fellowmen, said PB Member Miguel Antonio Magpale.

Magpale, 34, delivered his privilege speech yesterday as he attended his first regular session of the PB presided by his mother, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.

He is the youngest son of Agnes, who succeeded the said post when the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. died of cancer in April 2011.

This led to the vacancy of one of the PB seats representing the fifth district.

“Today, you are all present at the fulfillment of a dream. Then, in the years of my unclouded childhood, I could not imagine how interesting my life would be,” Miguel said.

He described his mother, Agnes, as a “legendary mother” who often reminded him of the virtues and principles together with his late father.

Before entering politics, Miguel was the vice president for administrative services of the Northeastern Cebu Colleges, which is owned by the Magpale family.

Miguel was elected number two city councilor of Danao City in the 2010 elections.

“Becoming a provincial board member by appointment from being a former city councilor in less than three years is surprisingly incredible,” he said.

Miguel said that whether it is luck or destiny is of no moment but what matters most is that he is ready to work and to serve the people in the district.

He asked the “fraternal understanding and guidance” of his colleagues and the “sense of acceptance and belongingness” which must cross boundaries of political party affiliations.

“Matuwid na daan ang tatahakin ko bilang isang mambabatas sa probinsiya. I’m sure we are treading on the same path in your journey as legislators,” Miguel said.

Miguel is running for PB member in the fifth district under Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya-Liberal Party (Bakud-LP) coalition in 2013 while his mother is in tandem with LP’s gubernatorial bet, Hilario Davide III. (FREEMAN)