THE POWER OF TWO

by Nima S. Sevilla

Two of the most sought after and promising young lawyers of the Municipality of M'lang are now neophyte members of the 16^th Sangguniang Bayan of M’lang, Atty. Russel M. Abonado and Atty. Regerick L. Benito. Both lawyers were batchmates in high school at thr Notre Dame of Mlang for SY 1991– 1992.

Atty. Russel M. Abonado finished his preparatory Bachelor of Arts major in Social Science at the Southern Baptist College in 1996. He started his first year of law proper at the Ateneo de Davao University but was able to finish his Bachelor of Laws at the University of Mindanao in 2001.

Atty. Regerick L. Benito on the other hand, finished his preparatory Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at Christ the King Seminary in Quezon City and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He was then a part-time instructor at the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City while earning his Bachelor of Laws at the Ateneo de Davao University where he finished in year 2001.

The two (2) lawyers took and passed the bar exams in 2002 and started practice with the same law firm in Kidapawan City, but eventually put up their individual law offices. Atty. Abonado became the Provincial Legal Officer of the Province of Cotabato from year 2004 to the early part of 2007, while Atty. Benito practiced his profession at the Public Attorney’s Office in Kabacan, Cotabato. The latter won the COTELCO Board of Director’s election in May 2005 but resigned in March 2007. In their fervent desire to serve their people in the municipality, both resigned from their respective positions, run and won in the May 2007 local elections as members of the Sangguniang Bayan,.

Armed and equipped with knowledge and experience in legal matters, both lawyers are no longer be confined to argue in the four walls of the court room, but also in the four walls of the Sangguniang Bayan’s Legislative Chamber.

RELIGIOUS GAIN CENTER STAGE IN TOWN ACTIVITIES

An ecumenical service started the town festival at 7:30 AM of August 1, 2007. Church representatives lighted candles; Pastor Yvette Maghopoy of the Nueva Vida Church of God read Psalm 100 as a call to worship. The Invocation was sung by students of the Notre Dame of Mlang, The Praise and Worship Team of the First Southern Baptist Church of Mlang, Inc. led the praise and worship. The ecumenical thanksgiving prayers were participated in by the Rev. Fr. Allan Sasi, assistant parish priest of the Sta. Teresita Parish Church; Rev. Fr. Rodolfo Tamon of the St. Michael Parish of the Philippine Independent Church; Hadji Adam A. Bantas of the Mlang Muslims. Rev. Lito P. Dalisay, president of the Mlang Ministerial Fellowship represented the evangelical churches. Rev. Fr. Hipolito Paracha, DCK- parish priest of Sta Teresita Parish, together with all other religious leaders and pastors, led the ecumenical prayer for the government officials in the municipality of Mlang. The SBC Choir sang the benediction and the release of Balloons Symbolizing the Fruits of the Holy Spirit was the finale of the religious program.

Mayor Piñol, Vice-Mayor Bernie Abasques and the members of the Sangguniang Bayan espouse the practice of righteous living and transparency in government activities. The Mlang Ministerial Fellowship, an organization of evangelical pastors since the late 1990’s, specializes in prayers and intercessions. It first president was the Rev. Rolly Delgado, host pastor of the First Southern Baptist Church of Mlang, Inc. until his departure for advanced studies at the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary in Baguio City. It’s current president is Rev. Lito P. Dalisay of the Lord Jesus, our Redeemer Church in Inas. They field two pastor-members to pray over the Municipal Mayor and the Office’s employees first, then the Vice Mayor and the Sangguniang Bayan members and staff, before work every office day. Most recently, they plan to do intercessory prayer for all employees in all offices of the Mlang LGU.

Two of the most sought after and promising young lawyers of the Municipality of M'lang are now neophyte members of the 16^th Sangguniang Bayan of M’lang, Atty. Russel M. Abonado and Atty. Regerick L. Benito. Both lawyers were batchmates in high school at thr Notre Dame of Mlang for SY 1991– 1992.

Atty. Russel M. Abonado finished his preparatory Bachelor of Arts major in Social Science at the Southern Baptist College in 1996. He started his first year of law proper at the Ateneo de Davao University but was able to finish his Bachelor of Laws at the University of Mindanao in 2001.

Atty. Regerick L. Benito on the other hand, finished his preparatory Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at Christ the King Seminary in Quezon City and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He was then a part-time instructor at the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City while earning his Bachelor of Laws at the Ateneo de Davao University where he finished in year 2001.

The two (2) lawyers took and passed the bar exams in 2002 and started practice with the same law firm in Kidapawan City, but eventually put up their individual law offices. Atty. Abonado became the Provincial Legal Officer of the Province of Cotabato from year 2004 to the early part of 2007, while Atty. Benito practiced his profession at the Public Attorney’s Office in Kabacan, Cotabato. The latter won the COTELCO Board of Director’s election in May 2005 but resigned in March 2007. In their fervent desire to serve their people in the municipality, both resigned from their respective positions, run and won in the May 2007 local elections as members of the Sangguniang Bayan,.

Armed and equipped with knowledge and experience in legal matters, both lawyers are no longer be confined to argue in the four walls of the court room, but also in the four walls of the Sangguniang Bayan’s Legislative Chamber.

MLANG CELEBRATES 56^TH ANNIVERSARY

“New Vision, New Hope, New Inspiration” became the theme when Mlang, Cotabato celebrated its 56^th foundation anniversary from August 1-3, 2007. Mayor Joselito F. Piñol says that “this theme for our 56^th Foundation Anniversary is really apt in that we are entering a new era of understanding and cooperation among our government officials, the different sectors of our society and the residents in our far-flung barangays. This new vision is direction in governance. Along with this new vision is the birth of a new hope that gives us the inspiration to work and to persevere because we know that we are working together for our own good.” Mlang became a full-fledged municipality by virtue of Executive Order No. 462 signed by then Pres. Elpidio Quirino on August 3, 1951.

To ensure the success of this year’s celebration, 14 working committees were created. MPDO Gerardo V. Guadalupe was overall chairperson, co-chaired by just-retired Sangguniang Bayan member, Estrella G. Boteros. The Foundation activities were designed for 3 days but the Talent Show in the Mutya pageant was conducted at the Mun. Gym at 2:00 PM of July 28, 2007.

August 1, 2007 was heralded by a Diana around the town at 4:00 AM. An ecumenical service was held at the municipal bandstand at 7:30 AM. Ecumenical thanksgiving prayers were voiced by representatives of religious groups. Rev. Fr. Hipolito Paracha, DCK - Sta. Teresita Parish priest, with other religious leaders and pastors, led the ecumenical prayer for all the government officials in the municipality of Mlang.

The fiesta opening program immediately followed with Hon. Jesus N. Sacdalan, Cotabato Provincial Governor, giving his message as guest of honor. Hon. Joselito F. Piñol, assisted by Ms. Marlyn Q. Porras recognized this year’s awardees. Words of Thanks were voiced by Mayor Lito Piñol and the closing prayer was led by Prof. Alvin Lynn P. Bergante of the Southern Baptist College. The presentation of the participants to the beauty pageant was immediately followed by the continuation of the games. A luncheon fellowship was also held at the municipal plaza. The day was topped by Muty ng Mlang 2007 pageant held at 3:00 PM at the Mun. Gym.

Day 2 - August 2, 2007, started with sports activities at the municipal plaza at 8:00 AM until late afternoon. The Mlang Ministerial Fellowship featured a concert by the Layang Rehas Band and Ptr Macaspac Nuevo at 6:00 PM at the Mun. Gym.

Day 3, August 3, 2007 started at 7:00 AM with a civic parade participated in by 42 contingents; after which a short program followed at 8:30 at the municipal bandstand. A cultural presentation dubbed “Panublion” was presented by different schools and civic organizations at 9:00 AM. These performances were interspersed with messages from Cong. Bernardo F. Piñol, Jr. of the Cotabato 2nd congressional district; and the Hon. Vice Gov. Emmanuel F. Pinol. The electrical power interruption notwithstanding, did not prevent the audience from witnessing the show and hearing the speeches. Luncheon was served at half past twelve. Boxing bouts were played at the gym at 3:00 PM and a concert by the Scholars’ Band and the Stone Hand’s Band topped the week’s activities at 6:00 PM.

Mary Ann Cortado, Ph.D., a MAO agricultural technician and Mrs. Carmelita Loro, teacher at the ND Mlang, served as Masters of Ceremonies in most outdoor programs.

HEAVY RAINS FAIL TO DAMPEN INAUGURATION EUPHORIA

The previous days’ and nights’ heavy rains failed to stop the festive feelings surrounding the oath-taking ceremony of Mayor-elect Joselito F. Piñol and Vice-Mayor-elect Bernie F. Abasques the morning of June 25, 2007 at the stage of the New Consolacion Elem. School, 12 kilometers from the heart of this municipality.

The Nueva Vida Choir played Praise and Worships Songs while waiting for the arrival of participants and guests. Invocation was led by the SBC Choir. Barangay Chairperson Rodrigo D. Aligarbes, Jr. welcomed the guests and administered the oath of vice mayor-elect Bernie F. Abasques and all the councilors-elect. In his welcome address, he took the opportunity to bring the plight of the New Consolacion people to the attention of the provincial and municipal officials in the hope of eliciting their future assistance. Judge Arvin Sadiri B. Balagot, Presiding Judge of the Mlang-Matalam Municipal Trial Court, administered the oath of office of municipal mayor-elect Joselito F. Piñol.

The 8 councilors-elect, in the order by which they had been selected by the Mlang electorate – Hons. Joselito G. Mercado, Russel M. Abonado, Alberta P. Tejada, Janirey E. Paracha, Regerick L. Benito, Freddie M. Sales, Hayde D. Javier, and Ivy Martia Lei D. Ballitoc - were allowed 5 minutes each to give their inaugural speeches. These were followed by the speeches of vice mayor-elect Bernie F. Abasques and mayor-elect Joselito F. Pinol. Vice Gov. Manny Piñol, Gov. Susing Sacdalan and Cong. Jun Piñol also gave their inspirational messages. The Mlang Ministerial Fellowship led the dedicatory prayers; the final part was the flying of hot air balloons by Mr. Abe F. Gigare.

Mayor-elect Lito Piñol reiterated the programs they presented to the electorate during the campaign period. He said that “I’M HEALTHY” will always be the mainstay of his administration. For his part, vice mayor-elect Bernie F. Abasques is very optimistic that his partnership with the mayor would be to the best interest of the people of Mlang, citing instances where quarrels between the past chief executive and his deputy had always done counterproductive results to the people they have vowed to serve.

June 25, 2007 is significant in that it was the 13^th wedding anniversary of the mayor-elect and his wife as well as the 54^th birthday of the vice mayor-elect. Incidentally, VM Abasques’ mother, Emerenciana Fabila Abasques, joined her creator at noontime of Sunday - June 24, 2007.

The oath-taking program was emceed by Mr. Alvin Lynn P. Bergante, Executive Vice-President of the Southern Baptist College; and Mrs. Marietta P. Alingasa, Master Teacher at the Lika Central Elementary School. The principal of New Consolacion Elementary School is Mrs. Mae A. Bosabica.

EO NO. 3 IS FIRST IN PIÑOL MAYORSHIP

Executive Order No. 3 entitled “An Executive Order Amending Section 1 of Executive Order No. 6, Series of 2005, Reconstituting the Membership of the Bids and Awards Committee of the Municipality of Mlang as per Provisions of R. A. No. 9184, otherwise Known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. was the first issued by Mayor Joselito F. Piñol on July 12, 2007

The committee consisted of Municipal Administrator Roger M. Cordero, SB member Freddie M. Sales, Municipal Treasurer Alma F. Arcenio, Budget Officer Merlito A. Tonog, Mun. Planning and Dev’t. Coordinator Engr. Gerardo V. Guadalupe, and Acting Municipal Engineer Roberto A. Dalipe, Jr. in lieu of Municipal Engr. Amando R. Jaromay who was on study leave in Japan.

The members of the Secretariat were Nilo B. Sapanza of the Treasurer’s Office, Merlin S. Sentillanosa of the Mayor’s Office and Adelfa R. Bello of the Municipal Engineer’s Office. Much latter, this EO was amended to accommodate Engr. Jaromay when he returned from Japan in August and SB member Regerick L. Benito who is also a practicing lawyer.

The Municipal Census Coordinating Board convened at the Vice Mayor’s Office at 9:00 o’clock in the morning of June 21, 2007 in preparation for the national census of population that was scheduled in August 2007. The MCCB was composed of the then Mayor-Elect Hon. Joselito F. Piñol as Chairman, North Mlang District Supervisor Jesus P. Peremne as co-Chairman. The members were MCR Vilma B. Magarzo, MPDC Engr. Gerry V. Guadalupe, Treas. Alma F. Arcenio, MSWDO Bella Jane B. Solis, Private Sector Rep. Rosabel F. Mendoza, COP Eldy M. Magbanua, MAO Noemi M. Nicolas, Budget Officer Merlito A. Tonog and District Statistical Officer Warlito H. Alojado.

The municipality was divided into 8 clusters and the census proceeded with 2 Municipal Census Area Supervisors, 8 Census Team Supervisors and 38 Statistical Researchers (Census Enumerators). Trainings started in July 16 but census proper started on August 1, 2007 and ended September 6. Mlang registered 80,968 residents in 18,221 households.

Poblacion A, the municipality’s urban hub, with 5,846 persons, came in only second in terms of population to barangay Bagontapay with 6,409 persons.
The smallest barangay is Ugpay with only 120 households making up only 529 persons.