Young student officials run Iloilo City gov’t

MA. ABBY Genevieve I. Peñaflorida of Assumption Iloilo receives the key of responsibility from Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III during the flag ceremony on October 22, 2018 at the City Hall. (Photo courtesy of Iloilo City PIO)

IN line with the Boys’ and Girls’ Week celebration, young student officials from different private and public schools are now “occupying” major offices in the city government.

The 59 student officials headed by Ma. Abby Genevieve I. Peñaflorida (Girl City Mayor) of Assumption Iloilo and Matthew Dominic M. Tagamolila (Boy City Vice Mayor) of Ateneo de Iloilo, took their oath of office before Mayor Jose Espinosa III during the flag-raising ceremony on October 22, 2018 at the City Hall.

According to project chairman Manfred Lepp, the students were selected from different public and private schools in the city after going through series of written examination and panel interviews.

“This is a unique leadership program where we are selecting students for a certain position who will occupy key positions and experience leadership in terms of city government,” Lepp explained.

Lepp added that the unique leadership program which started in mid 70s is continuously expanding.

“The city is progressing and getting bigger with the existence of the new departments, so it is the particular reason why this celebration is getting bigger every year,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Peñaflorida said she is excited to see how the local government works up-close and personal.

“For one week, I really want to see how the local government works, the responsibilities of the mayor and what he does,” Peñaflorida said.

When asked about what the city government should do for the youth, Peñaflorida said that the youth must be empowered.

“I think it is all about empowering youth. It is giving us these opportunities wherein we get to work in the government for us to be good and responsible citizens,” she stated.

Aside from major positions, student officials will also occupy seats in the Sangguniang Panlungsod and different departments of the city.

They are expected to participate in the regular session on October 23 where the acting mayor will have the chance to deliver her speech and other members can pass their own resolution and ordinances.

Already in its 43rd year, the activity was organized by the Rotary Club of Iloilo City in line with the Boys’ and Girls’ Week celebration on October 22-27, 2018.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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