Former Vice Governor Rene Relampagos’ three-year term has ended, but not without leaving a significant mark on the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and the entire province of Bohol.
This mark was aptly described by Board Member Romulo Cepedoza, an ex-officio member of the provincial board, being the Provincial Federation President of the Liga ng mga Barangay.
Cepedoza publicly commended Relampagos for his “vast experience and broad knowledge”.
Cepedoza said, “I was in 2007 under Vice Governor Julius Herrera, 2010 to 2013 under Vice Governor Conching Lim, 2016 to 2019 under the father of our Senior Board Member, [former] Vice Governor, Atty. Dionisio Balite, and you Vice Gov, from 2019 to 2022.”
“Without fear of contradiction, it is during your term that the leadership of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan reached greater heights. For that, I admire your leadership, Vice Gov. and I also learned a lot from you. Again, from my family, thank you so much,” Cepedoza remarked.
This occurred at the regular session of the provincial board last week, June 21, 2022, after Relampagos delivered his privilege speech. Relampagos used the time to bid the august body and the Boholanos farewell.
Shortly after, Cepedoza took the opportunity to acknowledge Relampagos for his work and lasting influence as the Presiding Officer of the 28th Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
“We experienced firsthand effortless leadership at its finest,” Cepedoza stated.
Relampagos was keen on having a legislative body that is “rooted in what is happening on the ground”, as he described it. This mindset proved pivotal to the board’s drafting and approval of 130 ordinances and 3,153 resolutions (this is an updated figure, it was previously published as 2,978 resolutions) within the term spanning 2019 to 2022.
These legislative measures may help the province achieve development in terms of agriculture, health care, tourism, and education.
As a presiding officer of the provincial board, Relampagos is leaving a mark through his influence and leadership. He was also responsible for creating an ordinance from which a program was born to provide maintenance medicine and health care services to senior citizens.
Beyond his stint as vice governor, Relampagos chose to spend many years of his life in public service. His dedication and effort to shape a better Bohol, while encouraging others to do the same, is his true legacy.