To facilitate smooth transition of power, Mayor Beng Climaco and her transition team formally turned over to Mayor-elect John Dalipe and team all essential LGU documents during rites held at the Regency Hotel in Pasonanca Tuesday afternoon.

In her message, Mayor Climaco emphasized that in this time of transition, “it is imperative that local government services remain uninterrupted, and that critical government documents, assets, and responsibilities, as well as the gains, milestones, and legacies that we have made, are turned over to the next administration in a smooth and seamless manner.”

“Continuity and stability are important in times of change – more so in public service, because our work for the people does not stop with the changing of administrations, or the transitions of power,” she stressed.

The outgoing mayor thanked the transition team led by Civil Registrar Atty. Eric Elias for facilitating the transition and ensuring that the essential work of governance and its documentation are properly fielded and seen through.

For his part, Mayor-elect John Dalipe said he and his transition team accept the documents as mandated by the DILG to ensure smooth local transition. “As incoming Local Chief Executive, I guarantee the continuity of public service which must not be hampered amid the change of leadership.”

Addressing the department heads and other officials of the Executive Branch as well as Legislative Branch present during the ceremony, Dalipe said: “As I lead Zamboanga City, I want you to be there with me. Let us come together and use this time as an opportunity to develop Zamboanga City to a different level.”

The ceremonial turnover and acceptance of documents is mandated by the DILG and is intended to ensure safekeeping of LGU records and documents as well as the protection of LGU assets.

Witnesses to the turnover and acceptance of the documents were DILG City Director Ginagene Vano-Uy, City Auditor Atty. Katrina Acana and Civil Society Organization President Juliet Tigo. Present during the ceremony were Vice Mayor Rommel Agan and some members of the outgoing City Council, some newly-elected city officials, city department heads and their assistants, Dalipe’s transition team composed of Atty. Magi Tamin, Atty. Heidi Panganiban, PGen. Mario Yanga (Retired), Ron Orendain and other staff among others. (Sheila Covarrubias)