Mayor’s challenge marked 114th Independence Day

June 12, 2012—Tacurongnons did not bother the early morning drizzles to be part of the commemoration of the 114^th anniversary of the proclamation of the country’s independence.

The City Government held a program with the theme, Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan. The program was filled with patriotic rites and performances ably conducted and offered by members of both public and private sectors: LGU officials, Tacurong Dance Sport Association, Talakudong Choir, TPES, NDTC, Notre Dame Siena College, STI, Rotary Club, and St. John Learning Center. National line agencies and other organizations were also in attendance to witness the program.

The activity was not only highlighted by the flag raising rites and nationalistic performances, but also by Mayor Lina O. Montilla’s message to Tacurongnons.

As Philippine flags proudly waved in the city hall grounds, the Mayor fearlessly challenged public servants to be transparent and sincere. “Hindi madali ang maging kawani ng gobyerno [ngunit] ang matuwid na landas ay hindi mahirap tahakin kung malinis ang ating mga hangarin. Ang kawalan ng katapatan sa sarili at sa gobyerno ay kawalan ng pananagutan sa sarili, sa pinaglilingkuran, at sa mamamayan,” she firmly said.

She also aired that it is high time for government employees to live up to the true meaning of being a public servant: “Simulan natin sa ating mga sarili na nanunungkulan sa gobyerno, na sa ating pamamalagi sa ating mga opisina ay nagagampanan natin ang ating tungkulin at sa paglabas ng mga taong ating pinagsilbihan ay nakangiti sila.”

The Mayor also saluted heroes of then and now: the historic figures, honest public officials, OFWs, and even the Filipinos who have stayed in the country to serve. “Higit sa lahat, sa ating mga taga Tacurong na piniling manatili at magtrabaho sa ating mahal na lungsod, tayo rin ay mga bayani,” she added.

More so, Tacurongnons were highly regarded as active agents of peace: “Sa ilang beses na gustong guluhin ang ating tahimik na lungsod, patuloy pa rin tayong bumabangon. Patuloy nating itaguyod ang kapayapaan at kalayaan.”  

Indeed, freedom comes with responsibilities. Amidst the rain, Tacurongnons cheered with pride. It was a serious challenge, and they are ready to respond. (Jezereel C. Billano)