By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A total of 61 newly-elected Bacolod City barangay captains were sworn in at a mass oath-taking over the weekend at the SMX Convention Center at SM City Bacolod.

Presidential adviser on political affairs and former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority head Francis Tolentino served as guest honor, where he called on barangays officials to help each other.

He also assured the gathered officials of support from President Rodrigo Duterte.

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Maguindanao second district Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu also addressed the event.

Also in attendance were Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, Bacolod City lone district Rep. Greg Gasataya, Bacolod City Department of the Interior and Local Government Director Ma. Joy Maredith Madayag, along with city councilors.

Meanwhile, Tolentino confirmed barangay officials will also take an oath before the president as part of the regional oath taking ceremony, although he did not state when the event would take place./DGB, WDJ