Butuan City officials vow for people-centered governance
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – As the 2025-2028 term started on July 1, the new and re-elected officials in Butuan City renewed their commitment to public service and vowed for a people-centered governance.
Newly elected Butuan City Mayor Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun promised to steer the city government of Butuan, like a Balanghai boat rudder, to the right direction, guided by the acronym RISE which stands for Rights-based, Inclusive, Smart, and Enabling.
In his oath, Mayor Fortun laid out his plan of having a people-centered administration, a government that ensures that all the sectors, organizations, and groups are well represented and included in the decision-making process.
He expressed his firm stand against corruption and abuse of power and committed to promoting transparency and accountability. “Power must never be used for personal gain. Enforcers must be strict, but not cruel; resolute, but not abusive.”
He also vowed to continue the outgoing mayor’s vision of a smart eco-city, a blueprint that envisions Butuan City as a sustainable, innovation-driven, and inclusive urban center by 2040, promising to create policies, build systems, and open spaces where people, communities, and institutions can thrive and become co-creators of progress.
Meanwhile, re-elected Butuan City Congressional Representative Jose “Joboy” S. Aquino II pledged to bring the national government support programs to the city, saying, “Rest assured that the programs of the government will be implemented in the city and will benefit the constituents.”
Newly elected vice mayor Renante B. Desiata affirmed his commitment to be a steady anchor of fairness, a convenor of consensus, and a builder of alignment in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The local officials and members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod will lead with unified vision to sustain the gains of transformational leadership and bring Butuan City to greater heights. (MFC, PIA Butuan City)
