Liberal Party (LP) official candidates led by Mayor Hernani “NANI” A. Braganza and his running mate, former Mayor Eduardo “DONG” F. Fontelera filed their certificates of candidacy (COC) at the Comelec office here Tuesday evening.
Braganza, already on his second term, will seek his final re-election to complete his three consecutive term as city chief executive and continue his legacy of transforming Alaminos into one of the fast growing cities in Northern Luzon and one of the best governed LGUs in the country.
The visionary mayor will be getting a lot of help to realize all his noble programs from Fontelera, his former boss in legislative branch when he became the youngest elected councillor of Alaminos.
Fontelera, known in the barangays as the ‘Action Man’, had served the city for nine consecutive years as vice mayor and six years as city head.
He decided to quit politics to give way to the younger and energetic Braganza, then a former DAR and Press Secretary, to return to his roots and also serve fully his citymates who loved and supported him in his entire political career.
For Alaminos’ future
With the future of Alaminians at stake and Alaminos on the brink of being invaded by imported players, Fontelera joined forces with Braganza and the city’s officials mainly to protect the city from those self-proclaimed caring yet very dangerous type of leaders and have vested interest on the city’s rich natural resources.
Fontelera had a tough time deciding whether to run or simply support the group as he is still enduring the pain of losing his beloved wife, Mam Imelda, who died last November 23 in her long battle with cancer.
On the final night of the wake which is also the last day of filing of COCs, he and his son Joselito, who is seeking his second re-election as city councilor, went straight to the city mayor’s office where other members of Team Alaminos as well as throngs of supporters are waiting.
“This is no longer for me or my family," the elder Fontelera told his delighted citymates who lined-up in front of the cityhall to wish their leaders good luck and witness their filing of COCs. "This is for our city, for all of you and our children and their children’s children.”
Other members of Team Alaminos running for councilor or seeking re-election under the LP’s banner are Earl James Aquino, Carol Dizon-Sison, Constante Carasi, Cirilo Radoc, Felimon Bacala Jr., Oscar Boling, Margielou Orange Humilde, German Rabago and Ernesto de Leon.
Three-termer Provincial Board Member Danilo B. Dizon and out-going City Vice Mayor Teofilo G. Humilde are also seeking higher positions under the LP.
Dizon is running to represent the first district in Congress while Humilde is gunning for one of the seats in the provincial board.
Powerhouse team
“This ticket is a combination of new and seasoned leaders,” described Braganza of his powerhouse team.
“And I would like to thank Manong Dong for coming back to serve his constituents anew," he said in addressing hundreds of followers after filing their COCs at the Comelec office.
“Allow me also to take this opportunity to offer our sincerest and heartfelt sympathy to the Fontelera family,” he said.
“We mourn the loss of Manang Imelda and in behalf of the city that loves your family so much, we are one in praying and hoping that you will be given strength to bear your sorrow bravely.”
Be better
The incumbent city mayor likewise expressed his high hopes on the congressional bid of Dizon, also a former three term councilor of Alaminos.
“Make us all proud Manong Danny," added the mayor who was youngest ever elected congressman of the first district of Pangasinan at the aged of 31, in the early ‘90s.
“We also wish Vice Mayor Humilde good luck,” he said.
Braganza, who was responsible in bringing so many investments and worked hard in initiating tangible development projects in his district, firmly believes that Dizon and Humilde are among the best leaders of the province today.
“I do hope and pray that BM Dizon will become a better congressman than me and that VM Humilde will continue to represent our city in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan."
This is your team
Braganza explained that Alaminos Team have served their citymates with all of their lives and sacrificed a lot for their city.
“This group has always dreamt of an Alaminos that is the best, he said. I always dream of an Alaminos that will care for its people especially our less fortunate kabaleyans.”
He said he also dreamed of a city that serves the city residents, first district and the province of Pangasinan.
And this ticket will do its best to help not just for the development of our district but in the province as well, he continued.
The mayor noted this team was instrumental in bringing the first commercial airport project in the province, the construction of which start early next year.
“All of your trust and confidence in this team will not go to waste," he stressed. "We will reciprocate it with love and true and quality service you deserve.”
He said if they have done something wrong in the past it’s ok to whip them for this all part of politics.
“(But) if we have contributed enough for our city and our programs have help and touch your lives," he added, "we hope you could also remember us.”
Unique fight
I know that you have done that many in the past but this is a different fight now, he pointed.
“This is a unique (fight) because we will fight for the future of the youth of the city of Alaminos… we are fighting for what is genuinely Alaminos and what is genuinely for Alaminians.”
Braganza said that while its true that Alaminos is a very gracious host and embraces those who wish to invest or stay here, it will never allow that what is for Alaminos and the constituents will taken from them.
“Hindi po namin ipinagdadamot ang kayamanan ng aming bayan pero kami po ay naniniwala na kami ay umasenso, kami po ay lungsod na ngayon dahil po sa mga taga Alaminos," he said.
“Dahil po sa leader katulad po nina Jun Rivera, Dong Fontelera, VM Humilde, BM Dizon and all other 13 na nagiging mayors, vice mayors, nag konsehal dito sa Alaminos, sila ang gumawa kung anu mayroon ang Alaminos ngayon.”
Proud to be Alaminians
The mayor said the city has the best leaders, the best talents, therefore, it doesn’t need imported leaders.
He added that Alaminos will continue to grow and become a progressive city and there’s no way that a leader from other municipality could ever rule the city and say that they are better leaders than the true-bloodied Alaminians.
“Our citymates, young and old, educated or unschooled, say “I’m proud to be an Alaminian”
Beyond this though is the real issue on the true motives, concern and love for the city.
“I’m an Alaminian, Pangasinense and a Pilipino," said the mayor. "More importantly, I love and care for my city where I grew up, raised by my parents to become responsible citizen, good public servant.”
“For the last time, let’s all unite and give me another mandate to serve you as your chief executive along with Mayor Fontelera and the rest of our team,” he added.
“It is indeed our honor and privilege, which my family missed to witness, how you joined us in filing our COCs and in pouring all your love and support to our group.”
“l assure again all of you that we will repay that with genuine service, unparalleled leadership and more sacrifices for our city. Thank you and Mabuhay ang Alaminos,” he finally quipped. (CIO)