To have a taste of how it is to be in public office, 15 high school boys and girls have assumed their respective “posts” at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol after an oath-taking ceremony officiated by Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. yesterday morning.

After yesterday’s short program, Defensor and his staff welcomed Little Governor” Jasmin Tabalina of Tubungan National High School at his office at the 3rd floor of the Capitol building.

Meanwhile, “Little Vice Governor” Marnie Joy Cerbo of the Iloilo National High School will hold office with Vice Gov. Oscar ‘Richard’ Garin, Jr. 

The 13 other students or “Little Board Members” and their assigned offices are: Philip Edward Derecho of Guimbal National High School and Winna Mae Suribas of Oton National High School, Office of First BMs Macario Napulan and Gerardo Flores; Michael Angelo Sarate of Jelicon-Cabugao National High School and Mary Clarence Madero of Pavia National High School, Offices of Second District BMs Demetrio Sonza and June Mondejar, respectively; Ma. Rica Belle Paciente of Passi City National High School and Jerry Esleyer Jr. of Igbaras National High School, Offices Third District BMs Emmanuel Gallar and Licurgo Tirador, respectively; 

Alysa Jude Montalban of Cabatuan National High School and Anna Alexandra Castro of Calinog National High School, Offices of BMs Shalene Hidalgo and Hernan Biron, Jr. respectively; Michael Rosal of Leonora S. Salapantan National High School in San Miguel, Iloilo and Carlo Guintivano of Leganes National High School, Offices of Fifth District BMs Nielo Tupas and Jett Rojas, respectively;  

Aimee Claire Padilla of Duenas General Comprehensive High School, Office of Philippine Councilor League-Iloilo president BM Suzette Alquisada; Dominique Del Rosario of Tigbauan National High School, Office of Barangay-Iloilo president BM Jeneda Salcedo; and Jade Razel Dalde of Dingle National High School, Office of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation president De Vicente.

This is a yearly program of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation headed by SK Federation President Charmaine De Vicente, in line with the celebration of Linggo ng Kabataan this week. 

The young officials were chosen from 25 national high schools in the province after going through essay-writing and panel interview with SK members.*