By NITZ ARANCON Correspondent FORMER Cagayan de Oro mayor Vicente Emano has retained his leadership of the regional political party he founded in the ’90s. He was elected as its chairman during the party’s convention in his hometown of Tagoloan on Tuesday. Councilor Nadya Elipe, Emano’s daughter, was elected president of the Padayon Pilipino while his son Yevgeny Vincente, the province’s governor, was elected as the party’s vice chairman. Councilor Leon Gan was elected as the party’s vice president while former  Cagayan de Oro congressman Jose Benjamin Benaldo was chosen as the party’s secretary general. Provincial board member Gerardo Sabal emerged as Padayon Pilipino deputy secretary general while former city administrator Grisilda Joson was elected treasurer. Marvin Rodriguez of Camiguin was elected audiot, and former provincial administrator Edmundo Pacamalan was chosen as the party’s information officer. Councilor Gan said he was elected vice president of the party in absentia because he had to be in a wedding. “Wala gyud ko masayod nga napili di-ay ko,” said Gan, attirbuting his election to his being a Padayon Pilipino “die-hard.” Vice Gov. Jose Mari Pelaez said he had to leave early because of a speaking engagement in Opol, Misamis Oriental. “45 minutes ra gyud ang akong pag-attend sa maong convention.”