Mayor gets ‘Alcalde’ honorary title in San Antonio City

Mayor Benjamin Magalong has been conferred a special title as honorary mayor or “alcalde” of the City of San Antonio, Texas effective Oct. 20, 2022.

San Antonio City Mayor Ron Nirenberg conferred the appointment which gives Magalong authority to “perform the duties of mayor if and when he is present within the city’s limits and at other times agree to tell the story of La Villita, its beauties, attractions and culture.”

“You further agree to extol (San Antonio) as a place to live, worship and play,” the proclamation reads.

Magalong is to hold the position “as long as you perform your duties faithfully and carry out the laws and regulations of said city.”

The mayor and party were in the Texas city for the  establishment of the sisterhood ties between San Antonio and Baguio.  It is set to be formalized in ceremonies tomorrow, Oct. 22 (Philippine time)

The city’s delegation composed of the mayor’s wife Arlene, City Administrator Bonifacio dela Peña and Saint Louis University President Gilbert Sales also attended the San Antonio City Council and the Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce meetings, in celebration of the Filipino American Historic Heritage Month in the United States.

“I am humbled to receive such an honor. I am happy for the opportunity for our city to collaborate with San Antonio. The exchange of knowledge and culture will surely be beneficial and will contribute to more growth and productivity. Thank you Mayor Ron for conferring this award,” the mayor said in accepting the alcalde title. – Mileyvonne Tiamzon and Aileen Refuerzo