Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan took his oath of office as Caloocan City’s 25th Mayor at the Caloocan City Hall Complex on Thursday, June 30.
Having served the city for 15 years as Barangay Chairman, City Councilor, and 1st District Congressman, he intends to continue his predecessor’s programs, emphasizing that he will improve the services of the city government.
“Sa pagkakaisa nating lahat, alam ko na hindi ko lang ipagpapatuloy at papantayan kundi pagsisikapan kong higitan pa ang nagawa ni Mayor Oca sa Caloocan,” Mayor Along said.
The newly-inaugurated Mayor likewise instructed Caloocan Police Chief Col. Samuel Mina to present the city’s public enemies and to ensure that there is sufficient police presence in every community. Mayor Along also emphasized that drug-related crimes will not be tolerated in his administration, however, he also commits that he will do his best to help rehabilitate drug victims.
“Kay Caloocan Police Chief Col. Samuel Mina, iharap niyo sa akin ang mga public enemy sa lungsod. Nais ko rin na palaging visible ang ating mga kapulisan para maging panatag ang mga mamamayan ng Caloocan,” he said.
“Sabi ko nung panahon ng kampanya, mabait si Along pero huwag niyo akong subukan sa droga. Lilinawin ko lang, ang mga biktima ay ipapagamit natin sa ating rehabilitation center habang ang mga tulak naman ay hindi ko sasantuhin,” Mayor Along clarified.
Driven to serve, Mayor Along will carry on his mantra of service, “Aksyon at Malasakit” in his leadership as the new head of the city government.
“Pagbaba ko ng entablado, magsisimula na ang tunay na kampanya ni Along Malapitan—ang kampanya ng pagseserbisyo at malasakit,” he pledged.
With a grateful heart, he thanked his family, the whole Team Aksyon at Malasakit, and everyone who believed and trusted him to lead the historical City of Caloocan.
“Maraming salamat sa aking pamilya na nagsilbing inspirasyon ko sa bawat laban ng aking buhay. Maraming salamat sa Team Aksyon at Malasakit sa pagpupuyat at pagpapagod para maglingkod at maipahatid ang ating serbisyo sa mga mamamayan,” Mayor Along remarked.
Other city officials, including Cong. Oca Malapitan of Caloocan First District, Cong. Dean Asistio of Caloocan Third District, Vice Mayor Karina Teh, and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod also took their oath of office before Senator Cynthia A. Villar.