The Right of Suffrage is the only freedom of man with mandatory power to enthrone national, provincial, municipal and barangay leaders whom they believed are sculptured to lead them towards progress. Ibajay is a municipality that has cradled political figures known not for their fame and glory but for their integrity, ability and nationalistic fervor.

May 10, 2004 National Election painted a very dramatic scenario in the political history of Ibajay. The classic triumph of the then Governor Florencio “Joeben” T. Miraflores into the Congressional slate with a margin of 11,000,00 votes was the biggest that ever happened in the whole of Aklan’s political race. Much loved and cherished, the people’s trust and confidence apparently catapulted him to victory.

Likewise, the municipal election resulted to the victory of all the candidates under his banner, thus the Inaugural Program for the Municipality of Ibajay was held last July 1, 2004 together with the celebration of the birthday of Honorable Joeben Miraflores. People from all walks of life all over Ibajay and the neighboring towns came to witness the grand affair. Food, wine and music filled the congested Ibajay Social Hall. Upon the arrival of Honorable Miraflores and his family I cannot help myself crying over the heartfelt greetings of the people when they sung “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”. Such is the intensity of Ibajaynon’s love and respect for Honorable Miraflores.

The program started with an Invocation by the Rev. Fr. Zaldy B. Zarandin, Ibajay’s Parochial Vicar, followed by the Pambansang Awit.

The newly elected Vice Mayor Nelson D. Santamaria delivered the Opening Remarks where he called upon all to rejoice in victory and unite in progress.

Of course Honorable Miraflores gave an inspirational message. The hall almost burst with applause when he said and I quote “ I’ll always be here for you.” He also stressed that the victory he received is not his triumph but the victory of Ibajaynon to be outshined. Honorable Pedro M. Garcia, 3 termed Sangguniang Panlalawigan member, West District and the once mayor of Ibajay expressed his endless thanks for the peoples’ unquestionable support from the time of his deceased father, the former Governor Roberto Q. Garcia, to his time and to his brother’s.

When the oath taking for the Municipal Mayor was called, there was silence. Honorable Roberto M. Garcia together with his lady, Mrs. Mabeth M. Garcia and their children and mother, Mrs. Charito M. Garcia came up the stage amidst the claps and cheers of the audience. Seemingly, everybody was contented and happy in his or her choice of a mayor. Debonair in his Barong Tagalog, we see in him the image of his father. Stunningly beautiful was his wife, Mabeth, who kept on waving her hand and whispering “Thank You.” Honorable Miraflores administered the oath. The Inaugural Address of Mayor Garcia clearly echoed his gratitude to the people and he promised once more that he would continue making it for Ibajay.

Honorable Miraflores, the first group of which was composed of, also administered the oath taking of the Sangguniang Bayan Members:

Honorable Edgar S. Magbiray bearing the aura of a peacemaker, with his pretty and petite wife Ruby and other members of their family;

Honorable Ariel M. Alag, a new timer but very popular second placer with his gorgeous wife, Irene;

Honorable Plaridel M. Solidum stately and idol of the barangays, came up with his beaming wife Mabel and children;

Honorable Emilio S. Ilinon, an accommodating SB member came with his wife, Evita.

The next group of the Sangguniang Bayan Member was called in this order:

Honorable Larry U. Briones, the spokesman and most available SM Member with his simple and friendly wife, Riza;

Honorable Mabini M. Ascano, cool and calm, was accompanied by his wife, Luz and other members of his family;

Honorable Tadeo M. Belinario, a very approachable fellow with wit and humor came with wife, Lobell.

Honorable Oscar C. Candari, a sincere and achieving man was with his supportive wife, Ellen.

After the oath taking, Honorable Larry U. Briones delivered the Closing Remarks with sincere thanks and gratitude to the support and loyalty of the people for the cause of Ibajay.

The Honorable Madonna Sijera and Shur C. Mangilaya were the Masters of Ceremonies, who both carried out the program well.

What followed next was a pan dominium of gaiety, laughter and joy. A band provided hot, pop and sentimental music. Foods were bountiful and delicious; glasses tinkled as wine were tossed and everybody shouted MABUHAY CONGRESSMAN MIRAFLORES! MABUHAY MAYOR GARCIA! MABUHAY IBAJAY!

The celebration slowly ebbed at the wee hours of the night. Contented, happy and fulfilled, Ibajay will soar into heights according to God’s will.

As I left the hall, I concluded that surely congressman Miraflores and Mayor Garcia occupy a special place in the heart of Ibajaynons.

Written by:

Mrs. Diva S. Agustin

Barangay Captain

Capilijan, Ibajay, Aklan