Hope and unity filled the air at the town’s bustling trade center as thousands of residents, barangay leaders, and supporters gathered for the inauguration and oath-taking of Mayor Rene Estacio Maglanque, Vice Mayor Thelma Macapagal, and the newly elected members of the Sangguniang Bayan.
The event opened with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at the historic San Andres Church, where the newly elected officials and their families offered prayers for wisdom, transparency, and a future built on shared progress.
Now on his fourth term, Mayor Maglanque took his oath with heartfelt gratitude and a renewed pledge to lead with integrity.
“In my youth, I never dreamed of entering government. But when the Candabeños entrusted me with this role—with the help of the Lord—I embraced the call to serve with honesty and dedication,” he said.
He laid out his administration’s development agenda anchored on five core priorities: Agriculture, Infrastructure, Education, Health, and Employment—programs, he emphasized, that aim to create lasting solutions rather than temporary relief.
“Our projects will be designed to benefit every Candabeño family not just today, but for generations to come,” he said. “I won all my elections cleanly and honorably, without resorting to mudslinging. I proudly carry the mandate of the majority.”
Maglanque also shared one of his biggest dreams: for every Candabeño youth to finish college —a goal that he believes is steadily being realized.
Joining him in the oath-taking were Councilors Jao Bondoc, JM Sagum, Queenie Culala, Camille Bulaon, Elmer Gonzales, Lycca Basa, Alvin Carpio, and Donya Salac, all of whom committed to advancing the town’s development goals.
Vice Mayor Thelma Macapagal, who now leads the Sangguniang Bayan, echoed the mayor’s call for good governance, pledging to push for legislation that uplifts communities and drives inclusive growth.
The crowd’s enthusiastic cheers and support reflected strong public trust in the new administration—a powerful reminder that the ceremony was more than a formality; it was a renewal of the people’s collective hope for honest and effective leadership.
“Tulong-tulong sa pagsulong! Ikaw pa muli!” Mayor Maglanque declared, ending his speech with a rallying call for unity and progress.
