Abrenians elect younger but seasoned leaders

       

By Maria Teresa B. Benas

BANGUED, Abra --   Younger officials will lead Abra in the next three years as chosen by the people in recent elections.

At the Provincial Capitol Social Hall here, Provincial Election Officer Mae Richelle B. Beronilla,  chair of the Provincial Board of Canvassers, proclaimed  May 12 the new set of provincial officials  mostly  aged mid-30s to early 40s  except for one member of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan who is now a senior citizen and two in their late fifties.

Though younger in age, many are seasoned politicians starting off as   members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).  

Congressman-elect Joseph Sto. Nino Blando Bernos, 37, is the mayor of La Paz who is finishing his third and last term. 

He has been in the public service for over 28 years starting in 1996 as SK chairman.

Governor-elect  Ma. Jocelyn Acosta Valera-Bernos, 39, is the incumbent Abras representative in Congress serving her second term.

She also started as a public servant with the SK.

Vice-Gov.-elect Ronald Stimson Balao-as, in his mid-40s, is a graduated mayor of the municipality of Boliney, an upland tribal community.

The members of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan  for  District 1, are re-electionists Elmer Bides from Bucay, Antonio Dayag from Manabo/Tubo, Leonard Anadanan from Tubo, and Elmer Gayao from Manabo.  For District 2 are re-electionists Kathleen Maria Balbin-Tawantawan from Bangued, Atty. Byrone Alzate from Bangued, Ma. Elena Alcartado-Jenkins from Danglas, and Ana Marie Afable Bersamin from Bangued.