Local officials pay tribute to Norris Babiera

By Nitz Arancon
Correspondent

CITY Mayor Oscar Moreno and Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Jose Mari Pelaez paid tribute at former Governor Norris Babiera in the latter’s wake at Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes last Friday.

Babiera served as vice governor of then Misamis Oriental Gov. Moreno’s administration.

“Sa akong first term as governor, board member pa man si Norris niadtong panahona. Unya sa akong second and third term as governor, siya na ang akong vice governor for six years, so nine years gyud ang among panag-uban sa kapitolyo,” Moreno recalled.

In his weekly radio program, Moreno also reminisced their time together at the Capitol.

“He is a good man. (A) dedicated and real public servant. He is also a good father. I admire him. Ang among partnership sa kapitolyo for nince years, daghan kaayo ang among nahimo,” Moreno said.

Even though, Babiera did not win in the 2013 elections, Moreno added, Babiera still supported and helpt his administration.

Babiera was the brainchild to the innovations introduced and the online processing in the Building Permit Office, Moreno said.

For his part, Pelaez said he has already tasked the staff of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to organize a vigil tribute in honor of Babiera.

“The staff of Sanguniang Panlalawigan will holding  a neurological service. The schedule is being coordinated with the family,” Pelaez said.

Babiera is scheduled to be interred on July 21 at the Oro Gardens in Barangay Lumbia, this city.

Maurice Jim, son of the former governor, said there will be a procession around the city before Babiera will be laid to rest.

“Pero after sa Cosmo, i-(procession) and i-stop-over siya in front sa Capitol then  proceed na dayon sa Oro Gardens for his funeral,” Maurice Jim said..