Close to 1,000 local officials from Iloilo and Guimaras joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ party – Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).

The local officials took their oath during a ceremony Sunday afternoon, June 2.

“Our local officials, starting from me, can help with developmental projects. That is one of the important reasons why the alignment is important. So the President can help us at the local level,” Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., regional chairman of the party, said during a press conference on Monday.

He said they submitted their requests for projects to Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., who witnessed the oath-taking ceremony at the Grand Xing Hotel here.

He said as early as three months ago, he requested a digitized government center that would host regional offices of national government offices offering frontline services.

In his message during the ceremony, Defensor said Iloilo vowed to do its share in making a stronger Philippines and help the President and the rest of the country face the many threats it is facing now, including food security, climate change, and the problem with the West Philippine Sea.

He said joining the PFP was not only for politics.

“We are joining not for politics because, after this, we will roll our sleeves and work. We are here to work for the party, for the administration, and the country,” he said.

PFP national president and South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. administered the oath of office to the provincial board members, mayors, vice mayors, and councilors while Defensor officiated the oath for the punong barangays.

Tamayo, in a press conference on Sunday, said the participation of Ilonggo leaders is very significant since Ilonggos are known for being united and they stand by their commitment.

He said since President Marcos is no longer running, what happened is no longer for the sake of elections but for the delivery of services by the administration.

Lagdameo, in his message, said the event was a testament to the unwavering commitment of Marcos, who is also the party’s national chairman, to leverage politics as a force to unite leaders.

“The stronger we are as a party, the more we can do for our people,” he said.

Guimaras Rep. Ma. Lucille Nava, Guimaras Gov. Joaquin Carlos Rahman Nava, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas, Uswag party-list Rep. Jojo Ang, and former Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor Sr. witnessed the oath-taking event.Perla Lena/PNA