CEBU, Philippines – The absence of elected mayor and the on going political conflict in Compostela may have affected the preparations for the upcoming town fiesta but the cooperation of the barangay officials made the burdens lighter for acting Mayor Pedro Noval.
Noval, regional director of the Department of Interior and Local Government, who was officially designated on July 12 as acting town mayor of Compostela by Secretary Jesse Robredo, said the usual nightly activities for the fiesta celebration are made possible because of the supports of the barangay captains and other officials.
In fact, the nightly activities kicked off last July 15 with the barangayan sponsored by the Association of Barangay Councils.
Noval said that he was assured by the barangay officials of their support.
Compostela Police chief Rodrigo Giangan also provided Noval the needed police personnel to maintain the peace and order for all the activities.
Police personnel from the neighboring towns of Consolacion and Liloan as well as from Danao City were also augmented in Compostela.
Cebu Provincial Police director Erson Digal likewise assured Noval of augmentation from the provincial headquarters during the Fiesta celebration on July 25.
Some residents however could not help but feel the difference in this year’s celebration from that of the previous years where the situation was normal.
“Dako gayud kaayo ug kadaut ang nahitabo karon sa lungsod sa Compostela sa mga kalihukan niini sa pista ug ingon man sa serbisyo ngadto sa katawhan,” a concerned resident said.
Noval was designated acting mayor of Compostela after the Commission on Elections suspended the proclamation of all the winning candidates in the last elections because of the election protest filed by former mayor Ritchie Wagas against Mayor-elect Joel Quinio. (THE FREEMAN)