Calajate takes oath as Badoc mayor

Top Row (L–R): Badoc Mayor-elect Virgilio Calajate and Provincial Treasurer Josephine Prieto-Calajate with Ilocos Norte Governor-elect Cecilia Araneta-Marcos; Mayor Calajate delivering his inaugural address; the JVC Family joining virtually from Hawaii. Middle Row: Mayor Calajate with his family. Bottom Row: Newly elected Badoc officials with Governor-elect Araneta-Marcos and Mrs. Calajate. (Photos by Ronald Macatulad/Coverlook)

BADOC, ILOCOS NORTE—Surrounded by family, supporters, sectoral representatives, and fellow public servants, Virgilio M. Calajate was formally sworn in as the new mayor of Badoc in a solemn ceremony held on June 30, 2025 at the President Ferdinand E. Marcos Auditorium.

The event marked a significant political transition for the historic town of Badoc, which prides itself on its cultural heritage, coastal resources, and a citizenry deeply rooted in faith. Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos administered the oath of office.

At his side during the oath-taking was his wife, Ilocos Norte provincial treasurer Josephine Prieto-Calajate, along with members of their close-knit family. Joining the ceremony virtually from Hawaii were their son, Joseph Vergel Calajate, CEO and manager of JVC Business Consortium; their daughter-in-law, Vanessa Calajate, director of the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC); and their grandchildren, Jorgeane Verena and Jover Vansen, whose presence online brought added joy and warmth to the meaningful occasion.

Other newly elected officials likewise took their oath before Araneta-Marcos. These include Badoc Vice Mayor Glennd George Cajigal and the members of the Sangguniang Bayan: Romnick Torralba, Tom Kristoffer Torralba, Mary Pauline Lacuesta, Divina Gracia Barlahan, Jake Chua, Mikko Cajigal, Glenn Novan Cajigal, and Teodoro Calonge.

Before the official oath-taking, a concelebrated Holy Mass was held at the Minor Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Shrine of La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc. The Mass served as a moment of collective thanksgiving and spiritual grounding for the newly elected officials, their families, and constituents.

In his inaugural address, Calajate expressed profound gratitude to the people of Badoc for their trust and for the support of the Marcos family: President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Senator Imee Marcos, Second District Congressman Angelo Marcos Barba, First District Congressman Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, Araneta-Marcos, and Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc.

The new Badoc local chief executive outlined his administration’s priorities, which include strengthening support for farmers and fisherfolk, improving irrigation and livelihood programs, enhancing tourism, uplifting youth and education, and ensuring accessible health services, including the appointment of a municipal dentist—something the town currently lacks.

“We need the cooperation of every barangay official, every municipal employee, every teacher, every farmer, every fisherfolk, every youth leader, every parent, and every citizen,” Calajate emphasized, calling on the people of Badoc to rise above political differences and work together for a more prosperous community.

In her message, Araneta-Marcos congratulated Calajate and the newly elected officials, and offered words of guidance. “In your hands lies the future of Badoc,” she said. “I urge each of you to lead with honesty, humility, and heart. The people have entrusted you with their hopes—honor that trust every single day. As your Governor, I assure you of my full support as we work together to bring more programs and opportunities to our kakailian. Together, let us give them ‘Cerbisio A Mapagtalkan’.”

The inauguration was attended by various dignitaries, including newly elected mayors and vice mayors of nearby municipalities, representatives of national government agencies, and leaders from civil society and the private sector.

Calajate, a multi-awarded former barangay captain and long-serving public servant, concluded his message with a call to unity: “This is our chance to do something good for Badoc—to rise above our divisions, to lift one another up, and to leave this town better than we found it.”