Hon. Rey P. Grabato, Mina’s undefeated Mayor, takes his oath of office on June 29, 2016 for the term 2016-2019 before another Minanhon, Gov. Arthur D. Defensor, Sr. The oath-taking was witnessed by his kasimanwas who gave Mayor Grabato their overwhelming support throughout his political career. Mayor Grabato, was joined during the ceremony by his wife Madam Lydia E. Grabato and his children with their spouses, his grandchildren, his brother Dr. Rene Grabato, and his sisters Lorne and Sister Janeatte. Mayor Grabato took his oath to serve and lead his people on his 5th term now. He previously completed his 9 years or his 3 terms in 2001-2009. After 3 years or in 2013, he was again elected to the same position for his 4th term. Former Mayor Lydia E. Grabato gave a laudable message of welcoming the guests and hundreds of people from all walks of life who took time to share the celebration of thanksgiving. Mayor Rey P. Grabato on his inaugural speech thanked his constituents for their continued support and cooperation in all the programs and project of his administration specifically on crime prevention and his advocacy and campaign against drug in this municipality. He proudly enumerated the notable achievement during his administration including the national awards and recognition received by the Municipality of Mina. With a mixed feeling, Mayor Grabato was emotional during his inaugural speech because he can feel the strong support of his family, relatives and friends, Gov. Arthur Defensor with Mrs. Cosette Defensor and their children- Cong. Arthur Defensor, SP Member Lorenz Defensor, SP Member Emmanuel Gallar, Punong Barangay and Barangay officials and hundreds of his kasimanwas who took time to be part of his victory. The newly elected Vice Mayor, Hon. Bernardino Chichirita and Members of the Sangguniang Bayan – Hon. Arnel C. Matta, Hon. Noel P. Espiritu, Hon. Juanito D. Grabato Jr., Hon. Jose Salanio Jr., Hon. Rose Kareen S. Defensor, Hon. germaine D. Dableo, Hon. Ariel V. Novo, and Hon. Celso Justado also took their oath with Cong. Arthur Defensor as inducting officer.
Day: June 30, 2016
Top 3 elected officials took oath in Mina
Iloilo’s top three elected officials headed by Governor Arthur D. Defensor, Sr. with his sons Hon. Arthur R. Defensor, Jr., Congressman of 3rd District and Hon. Lorenz R. Defensor, Sangguniang Panlalawigan member took their oath in Mina, their hometown on June 29, 2016 at the newly renovated Parish of Our Lady of the Pillar as the venue of this historic event of their political careers. They were joined by the municipal officials headed by Mayor Rey P. Grabato, Vice Mayor Bernardino P. Chichirita and Sangguniang Bayan Members – Hon. Arnel C. Matta, Hon. Noel P. Esperitu, Hon. Juanito D. Grabato, Jr., Hon. Jose G. Salanio, Jr., Hon. Rose Kareen S. Defensor, Hon. Germaine D. Dableo, Hon. Ariel V. Novo, and Hon. Celso S. Justado in the Oath-Taking Ceremony. Governor Defensor on his message recalled his younger days spent in Mina, a place where he grew up and his sentiment of the situation of the town before which was not even known as one during those days, very far from it’s development now. He also commended Former Mayor Lydia Grabato and Mayor Rey Grabato for their efforts in leading the municipality to where it is now. He further commended the couple for spearheading also the construction of the parish church of Mina which was earlier consecrated by His Excellency, Most Rev. Angel N. Lagdameo. Gov. Defensor described the Church as one of the beautiful Churches in the country. Congressman Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. on the other hand, mentioned during his message one of his projects in Mina which is the Construction of the Municipal Sports and Cultural Center. He proudly stated that it is one of the best basketball courts in the country to that can cater to national basketball games and tournaments. SP Member Lorenz Defensor on his first term as elected official of the 3rd District of the Province of Iloilo expressed his gratitude to his kasimanwas for their overwhelming support on his candidacy while assuring them in return of his sincere and dedicated service to the Minanhons.