The newly-concluded national and local elections saw the emergence of a new alliance of young and idealistic political leaders in Nueva Ecija.
Spearheaded by Congressman Aurelio Umali and three termer Cabanatuan City Mayor Julius Cesar “Jay” Vergara, the alliance showed political savvy and might when its candidates for Nueva Ecija governor and Cabanatuan City mayor trounced the opposing candidates fielded by the well-entrenched Joson clan. The Josons lorded it over Nueva Ecija politics for five consecutive decades.
Under the incoming new provincial dispensation, “can the ordinary Novo Ecijano now expect tangible change and better things to happen in his relatively, economically sluggish province?” asked by many.
In their campaign sorties, the victorious alliance’s bets promised to bring real peace and progress that will, they said, filter to the province’s great majority. Lofty goal, indeed, that is easier said than done.
Meanwhile, all the ordinary Novo Ecijano can do for now, as he welcomes the incoming provincial administration, is to continue to dream and hope that someday real progress and prosperity will come to his beloved province. — PRUDENCIO MAGPAYO, Cabanatuan City