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Mayor Bernardo Magbanua Valdevieso submitted his letter of irrevocable resignation as local chief executive of Matalam town to the provincial office of the Department of Interior and Local Government on Dec. 28.
Valdevieso's health deteriorated in the past months due to his to efforts in supervising all infrastructure projects in various barangays of his town.
He said he could not work well if he continued to hold office despite his health problems.
"I would rather sacrifice and entrust the leadership to my vice mayor who is also my brother for me to have constant rest rather that continue my work," the resigned mayor said.
On Jan. 2, an officer from the DILG provincial office swore into office Vice Mayor Oscar M. Valdevieso as the new chief executive of Matalam.
The new mayor said he will continue the programs and the ongoing projects of his predecessor.
The ongoing projects include the construction of school buildings and daycare centers as well as potable water sources in various barangays.
Officials of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines visited the new mayor on his first day of work and pledged to support the ongoing construction of a school building in one barangay.
The CCCP committed P500, 000 for the completion of the school building for the benefit of some 450 elementary pupils who are mostly members of an indigenous tribe in Barangay Bangbang.
The local government of Matalam also allocated some P5 million for the completion of school buildings and daycare centers in five remote villages.
"These projects would be completed before the May 14 elections. These would be functional in the next opening of classes in June," the younger Valdevieso said. (Williamor A. Magbanua/MindaNews)