SP-Koronadal Honors Outgoing and Incoming Officials
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Koronadal has paid tribute to the outgoing officials and welcomed an incoming official during its regular session on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
The terms of the ex-officio members, ABC President Gregorio O. Presga and SK Federation President Clarisse Mae S. Cuaresma, have ended following the former’s victory in the recent barangay election as Barangay Kagawad of Barangay Saravia and the installation of Charles Ronn C. Trinidad as the new ex-officio member representing the youth.
Outgoing Punong Barangay Presga recalled his five-year tenure in Sanggunian, where he was an ex-officio member representing the 27 barangays and chairperson of three major committees: the Committee on Barangay Affairs, the Committee on Housing and Land Use, and the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life, for almost five years; I have had the privilege of working in behalf of our community, striving to make our city a better place for all its residents. It has been a journey marked by challenges, triumphs and most importantly, a shared commitment to the common good”, Presga stressed.
He also expressed gratitude towards his fellow public officials, former colleagues in the sanggunian and Liga ng mga Barangay, and all the people whom he had worked with for their unending and unwavering support.
“Thank you for the trust you have placed in me, for the opportunities I have to serve and for the countless memories that I will carry with me. It has been an honor and a privilege to be a member of this sanggunian and I look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of our community in the years to come”, Presga added.
Meanwhile, due to a medical condition, outgoing SK Federation President Sorongon-Cuaresma was unable to attend the session. Councilor John Rey “Chow” Rodriguez was requested to deliver the former’s end-term message.
Sorongon highlighted in her speech that during her five years of serving Koronadal as the city’s youth representative, it was not an easy job after all.
“It was a rollercoaster for me. It was not just like a piece of cake. People are bashing and humiliating me but I took it as a thriving challenge. As leader of 27 barangays in the city, I was determined to perform my duties and responsibilities despite all odds.”
She also added that for her, it was a victory as she made it until the end of her term.
“My commitment to serve the people was my true virtue. My endeavor in five years was indeed victorious. I made it! We made it! I will end this term with success and joy in my heart, giving name and honor to the federation of SK.”
Sorongon concluded her speech by acknowledging the efforts and support she had received from her former colleagues in the sanggunian, staff, and family. She also welcomes and sends well wishes to her successor, in the person of Councilor Trinidad.
Trinidad vowed to work hard and guaranteed that the voice of the youth would be heard during his incumbency.
The eighteen-year-old official made this declaration in his inaugural speech as he attended his first session as an ex-officio member representing the youth sector.
“It will be the voices of the youth that will echo in the present and in the future”, Trinidad stated.
According to the neophyte public official, working alongside the strong and influential composition of Sanggunian is an opportunity for him to prove his worth as a public servant and a champion of the youth’s causes. He also promised to brave all challenges that will confront him and assured everyone to fight against all odds to achieve what he aims for, for the good of all the youth in Koronadal.
“Indi ta pagtalikdan ang aton kawsa….obrahon ta ang tanan para makapadayon sa pagserbisyo sa mga pamatan-on sang City of Koronadal and that’s a promise.” (I would never abandon our cause….I will do everything to serve the youth of the City of Koronadal and that’s a promise.)
Trinidad believes that through the collaborative efforts of the government and other stakeholders, great and empowered future leaders would eventually be shaped.
As the SK Federation President, and with the efforts of the government, development partners and other stakeholders, we can assure that the youth are equipped, the youth are empowered, and ready to face the future”, Trinidad said.