Borongan is now the first city of Eastern Samar

By ALICE NICART (PIA Borongan)
June 21, 2007

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar  –  In what can be called an overwhelming victory, Boronganons gave an overwhelming 10,176 “Yes” votes for its cityhood against the 3,452 “No” in the Plebiscite held yesterday which thus converted Borongan town into a component city of Eastern Samar province.

The seemingly hot issue has finally been halted when majority of the votes was revealed midway of the municipal canvass.

Asked why couldn’t it be more (the number of votes cast) as in the recently held national election, a COMELEC officer who requested anonymity said the plurality of votes is what matters between the affirmative and the negative.

It was observed though, that voters came in trickles to the voting precincts up to the midday but the electoral process still revealed that more people are in wanting for change; to become a dweller in a city with better social services.

Towards the end of the canvass however and when the cityhood issue became crystal clear, an informal program and party was done at the plaza where the cityhood advocates and supporters sang and danced in jubilation.

In his message Mayor Fidel Anacta thanked all the supporters for the cityhood and appealed further for calmness and sobriety of those who had different views from theirs in the LGU and instead cooperate and contribute their ideas for a well meaningful development plan for Borongan city.

“Human naman an election, timaha ta na an gibinirubingkil. Kay an amon paniguro ha LGU in dire la para ha amon kundi para han aton kabataan ug han nasunod pa nga mga henerasyon”, said Mayor Anacta who is fondly called “Spanky”. (Election is over, let us now put to rest this politicking. Our intention at the LGU has never been for our own good but for our children and the next generation).

In a short interview this morning, Mayor Anacta was consistent in his vision. Asked what are the next steps, he said the establishment of a city hospital is of his paramount importance, because of the numerous patients who approach him everyday. He wants to provide them better health care and services, he added. He also hopes to find a bigger workplace for the city government employees because that the present one is small and considering that five new mandatory divisions will be put in place, he concluded.

Yesterday’s plebiscite was graced by COMELEC Regional Director Adolfo Ybañez and some of his support staff.  Regional Election Atty. Richard Japson was also present with Atty. Corazon Montallana. Noticeable also were the municipal election officers who gave their hand as well for the entire process.