MISAMIS Oriental Provincial Governor Peter M. Unabia presented his political allies from the province to the press during a briefing on May 8, marking them as Paglaum candidates for city council positions in Cagayan de Oro for the coming midterm elections.
In his inaugural briefing since taking office, Governor Unabia focused solely on introducing his endorsed candidates for Cagayan de Oro, emphasizing their ties to the province.
Unabia disclosed that the Paglaum group would nominate Provincial Board Member Wayne Militante and Fernando Vincent Dy, Department Head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), for the city’s first district. Additionally, Board Member Gerardo Sabal III was named for the city’s second district, with another candidate yet to be revealed.
Both Militante and Sabal, incumbent board members, have recently shifted their residency to Cagayan de Oro, positioning themselves for city council roles.
Vice Governor Jeremy Jonahmar Pelaez expressed confidence in Militante and Sabal, highlighting their potential contributions to the city’s development due to their extensive experience.
Militante articulated his desire to leverage his expertise for the benefit of Cagayan de Oro’s residents, if given the opportunity.
Board Member Sabal said that if given a chance, he would insist on alternative solid waste management in the city.
He said what he observed based on their study of waste management in China through new technology, he will try to apply it in the city.
It should be remembered that Sabal led the return of thousands of tons of garbage back to South Korea from the town of Villanueva of the province in the past years.
Meanwhile, Sabal also expressed his gratitude that the governor saw his ability and skill to serve which is what he believed is one of the reasons why he is among the choice for city councilors in the upcoming 2025 election.
Unabia affirmed his commitment to fielding candidates in Cagayan de Oro independently of local political affiliations, stressing his aim to foster closer collaboration between the city and the province for mutual development.
When pressed about his preference for the mayoral race, Unabia indicated his support for incumbent City Mayor Rolando Uy, underscoring his intent to bolster ties between the two areas.
As chairman of the Committee on Infrastructures of the Regional Development Council in Northern Mindanao, Unabia advocated for increased infrastructure projects in both Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City.
He clarified that he harbors no aspirations for a political role in the city, content with his family’s position in the province, and reiterated his vision for concurrent progress in both locales.
Unabia expressed confidence that his endorsed candidates could contribute to resolving Cagayan de Oro’s traffic issues, underscoring his commitment to advancing the province and city in tandem.
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