LAOAG CITY (June 30) – Governor-elect Maria Imelda R. Marcos (Gov. Imee Marcos for short) was sworn into office this morning, Wednesday, June 30, 2010 before a big crowd during inaugural rites held at the provincial capitol stage here. She vowed to help “eradicate poverty, corruption and restore peace & order” in the province of Ilocos Norte.
Dressed in stunning red gown, the lady governor took her oath of office before Ilocos Norte Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Conrado A. Ragucos. Witnessing the oath at her side were her mother former First Lady and now 2nd district Congresswoman Imelda Romualdez Marcos, brother Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., sister Irene Marcos Araneta and Imee’s two sons.
After Imee’s oathtaking, she took turn in swearing in 1st district Rep. Rodolfo C. Fariñas, Laoag City Mayor Michael V. Fariñas as well as the different elected municipal officials while Senator Bongbong installed the new set of provincial board members and different municipal vice mayors.
In her inaugural speech, Governor Marcos stressed the priority plans which her administration will implement for the next three years, especially her vision to transform Ilocos Norte into a hub of trade and commerce in the North.
To pursue her advocacy for One Ilocos Norte , she offered her hands for reconciliation with her political foes during the recent May 10 elections. She proved genuine sincerity for unity when she and her family reconciled with long time political enemy, the Fariñas clan led by 1st district Congressman Rodolfo C. Fariñas and Laoag City Mayor Michael V. Fariñas.
She assailed in her speech the recent killings and other crime incidents in the province. Lately, she even personally attended the wake of slain broadcast journalist Lito Agustin in the latter’s hometown in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte. She condoled with the radioman’s family and expressed deep concern in seeking justice for the murdered DZJC commentator.
“It is time that we restore peace and order in the province,” she told the crowd.
She emphasized that corruption in government transaction for every national and local project should be stopped once and for all. She reiterated her plan to put up a zanjera office at the provincial capitol where farmers may air their problems and eventually find solutions to the woes of the marginalized sector.
With the help of former Vice Gov. Windell Chua as new provincial administrator and Rep. Rudy Fariñas as her consultant, Governor Marcos spoke with optimism that the provincial government under her leadership would succeed in all its endeavors. (EDG)