By Edalyn B. Acta
Incoming Mayor Stephen Openiano is asking for cooperation and unity to bring more progress for the Municipality of Cuartero.
“Tapos na ang election. Ihilway na naton ang aton kaugalingon sa kolor sang politika (The elections are over. Let’s free ourselves from our political colors),” urged Openiano after his June 12, 2025 oath taking at the Cuartero Civic Center.
“We are now going to face the challenges on how to give good service to our constituents,” said Openiano, who defeated incumbent Mayor Tito Mayo.
Openiano garnered 11,655 votes while Mayo received only 5,362 votes.
For Openiano, his victory is also a victory for the people of Cuartero.
Openiano recalled that before he decided to run for mayor, he knew that he will encounter a lot of challenges along the way.
The young incoming mayor also wanted to continue the governance of his father, the former mayor Joemarie Openiano.
The elder Openiano’s term as mayor was cut when he died in August 2023.
Meanwhile, Capiz 2nd District Congresswoman Jane Castro was the guest speaker during the oath taking ceremony.
In her message, Castro urged Vice Mayor Abner Falcis and the rest of the Cuartero Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members to enact ordinances that will benefit the community.
