Brgy. chair who will administer Leni’s oath hopes she will improve lives of the poor

One of the two barangay captains who will administer the oath-taking of Vice President-elect Leni Robredo is hopeful that she will continue her work for those in the "fringes of society."

Ronaldo Coner, chief of Barangay Punta Tarawal in Camarines Sur, was handpicked by Robredo for her inauguration, along with barangay captain Regina Celeste San Miguel from Barangay Mariana in Quezon City, where her new office is located.

Punta Tarawal is the "smallest, farthest, and poorest" barangay in the province's third district, where Robredo served one term as representative.

The barangay, surrounded by mangrove trees, is home to a total of 408 residents or some 80 families that turn to fishing for livelihood.

Robredo secured all 187 votes cast here for vice president during the May 9 polls.

"Magkakaroon siguro ng pagbabago kasi kung 'yung sinasabi niya na uunahin niya ang mga nasa laylayan, siguro isa na nga po doon," Coner said.

"Ang wish ko kay VP Leni, 'yung mga sinimulan niya sa kampanya, 'yun na lang siguro ang tutukan niya. At sana tingnan 'yung pinakamaliit na sitwasyon sa buong Pilipinas na mabago talaga... 'Yung mahirap, tulungan talaga," he added.

As for his village, Coner said his fellow residents have been asking for a road leading to their barangay, as well as for alternative livelihood, given that they are vulnerable to typhoons and storm surges.

'Excited'

The barangay captain is "excited" for his role in the inauguration, arguably the biggest event in his life.

His wife and their six children will not witness this feat in person, but he said they were "happy and proud" of him.

"Parang panaginip lang 'to.... Mula pagkabata hanggang ngayon, hindi ko sukat akalain na makakagawa ako ng [ganitong] bagay sa buhay ko," Coner said.

"Excited [ako], pero 'yung kaba, wala na. Relaxed na. Kasi nakakahiya naman kung sa dami ng tao, magkamali tayo, mahirap na," he added.

Robredo will take her oath in a modest ceremony that will start at 9 a.m. on Thursday. She will only have 300 attendees.

Her youngest daughter, Jillian, will be holding the Bible during the oath-taking, with the older two, Aika and Tricia, by their side.

The vice president-elect and her daughters will wear Filipiniana dresses in beige.

A simple Filipino merienda will be served, including sotanghon, maja blanca, pichi pichi, different kinda of pan de sal, and buchi with chocnut, a Robredo favorite. —NB, GMA News