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.
Top 3 elected officials took oath in Mina
