Baguio top officials, executives yield to scout officials on Nov. 7

After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Scout Officials for a day (SOFAD) make their way to the Local Government Unit offices on Nov. 7 to emulate tasks and functions of elected and appointed officials.

As cited in City Resolution 145-87, since the inception of the SOFAD in 1958, the program “has offered distinct opportunities to the young primarily toward citizenship training and character development.” SOFAD is also part of the celebration of October as scouting month.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong steps down and relinquish his city-responsibility fatherly duties to Giovanni Ballog of the University of Baguio High School (UBHS); while Princess Ruth Goma of the University of Baguio Science High School (UBSHS) is SOFAD vice-mayor and presides over the city council session that day.

John Zaiveor del Mundo of St. Louis University Laboratory High School (SLU LHS) is councilor chair of the Public Utilities, Transportation and Traffic Legislation committee; Kristina Kispay of the Baguio City National Science High School (BCNSHS) is chair of the Public Protection and Safety Peace and Order committee; and Sam Laurence Cadiente of Baguio City National High School (BCNHS) is council chair for Employment, Livelihood and Cooperatives and Persons with Disabilities (PWDS).

Another BCNHS student, Tiffany Martheanne Fonite is Health and Sanitation, Ecology and Environmental Protection council committee chair, Ralph Gwyneth Sapdoy from Pinget National High School takes care of the Urban Planning, Lands and Housing committee; and Jehosheba Joy Jose (BCNHS) is committee chair for the Market, Trade and Commerce and Agriculture committee.

The Public works committee shall be the responsibility of Mark Louie Reyes of Fort Del Pilar National High School vice Councilor and Archt. Maria Mylene Victoria Yaranon while the Social Services, Women and Urban Poor committee chaired by Councilor Elmer Datuin shall be on the shoulders of Nelden Narciso (BCNHS).

Rayner Paulha of Pines National High School replaces Councilor Peter Fianza as chair of the Laws, Human Rights and Justice committee; and Henna Dalen Celino of Quezon Hill National High School is Education, Culture, Creativity and Historical Research committee chair, vice Councilor Vladimir Cayabas.   

Councilor Fred Bagbagen is replaced for a day by Vince Joshua Bulong (BCNHS) in the Ethics, Governmental Affairs and Personnel (EGAP) council committee; Jinky Bugayong of Joaquin Smith National High School replaces Councilor Lilia Farinas as chair of the Tourism, Special Events, Parks and Playgrounds committee; and Gervyne Buslig (BCNHS) is Barangays Affairs council committee chair.

Youth Welfare and Sports Development council committee head Levy Lloyd Orcales yields his chair for a day to Alliah Maon (BCNHS), while city secretary Atty. Brenner Bengwayan is replaced by Aaron Earl Justo of Fort Del Pilar National High School.

The scout councilors shall craft legislative measures as to their committee, with discussion in the council session on Nov. 7.  These shall be voted on, and winning proposals are made basis of legislative measures, and cited as such by the respective host Councilor.

For the executive positions at city hall, Lehiona Chaddane Simon of the University of Baguio Lab Elem School (UBLES) is City Accountant; Anthony Josh Guimte of Pinget Elem School replaces City Administrator Engr. Bonifacio de la Pena; City Assessor Maria Almaya Addawe is unseated by Leira Mae Racal of Baguio Central School (BCS) and City Budget Officer Leticia Clemente yields her chair to Sean Tracy Villanueva (BCS).   

City Building and Architectures Office (CBAO) head Johnny Degay is unseated for a day by Fatima Dominique Queroljico of Rizal Elementary School.

Other positions and the SOFAD official taking over are: SOFAD City Engineer Xyzack Tacay of Baguio Central School; SOFAD City Environment and Parks Management Office head (CEPMO) Jasmine Angel Ronquillo of Adiwang Elementary School; SOFAD City General Services (Office) head Rebny Dame Ganado of Dona Aurora ES; SOFAD City Health Officer Jaclyzah Raynne Ticag (BCS); SOFAD City Human Resource Management Officer Matheus Louie Artates, BCS; SOFAD City Legal Officer Rheema Klea Amiten, BCS.

SOFAD Angelo Kody Gomez of UBLES; SOFAD City Planning and Development Officer Briana Sophia Sabalbro of Dona Aurora Bueno ES; SOFAD City Civil Registrar Mhelnard Lumidao of Lucban ES; SOFAD City Social Welfare and Development Officer Valerie Alarcon of Baguio Central School; SOFAD City Treasurer Jeremy Galwan of Josefa Carino ES;  

SOFAD City Veterinarian Arabella Salinas of Baguio Central School; SOFAD City Schools Division Superintendent Sean Kurt Emilio; SOFAD City Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Pam Angela Garlitos of Baguio Central School.

All the scout officials underwent stringent screening in the Boy and Girl Scouts Executive Council, had a day of observation in the respective office where they shall serve and were properly oriented on their duties and responsibilities by staff members. – JGF