PAGADIAN CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA) –- Mayor Francis Vic Villamero of Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur officiated the entrustment of firearms ceremony of 100 graduates of the Candidate Soldier’s Course held at the Tabak Division Grandstand, Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur on October 25.
Villamero considers it an honor to do the entrustment attributing the privilege to the strong partnership of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division and the local government of Tukuran. He recalls that they have twice partnered with Tabak for a medical and dental outreach activity recently.
‘‘But perhaps, the reason might be the alliance I have fostered with them and the common dream we share in preserving and protecting the very planet we inhabit,’’ Villamero explained.
“While we sing the same song of protecting our nation against all foes and in honoring our heroes who offered their lives for our liberty, yet the battle now has been raised to a certain level more encompassing,’’ he continued.
“The most dreaded enemy of mankind that we almost not notice is already being felt in some parts of the world and in the country, as well. The only way we can tame the real challenge of our existence is to help reverse human activity.
While others cut down trees for a living, we planted as we did in order to slow down the wrath of nature. While others burn their waste and garbage as a way of cleaning their surroundings, we segregate and properly dispose them. While others continue to exploit the riches of the sea by all means, we help conserve and preserve marine life for sustainable development,” Villamero stressed.
The mayor is a known environmentalist and supporter of the National Greening Program of the government. It can be remembered that the local chief executive spearheaded several tree planting activities in Tukuran since his assumption into office.
“Today we entrusted unto the new soldiers the weapons they need to defend our national territory and sovereignty. But with the entrustment, we also commission them to continue the earth-saving activities of the officers, the men and women of Tabak. The real weapon to win this nature’s fight is the sense of care for the environment which is embedded in the heart of every Tabak soldier.”
“As we prepare for a more peaceful and secure society, we must also help one another build a better natural environment for the youth. After all, we do no inherit the earth from our ancestors. We only borrow it from our children,’’ he concluded.
