By Claro A. Lanipa
PAGADIAN CITY – “I call on everyone to be
diligent and support my administration for sustainable development,” exhorted Mayor
Romeo P. Pulmones during the 45th charter anniversary program of the
city held last June 21 at the city’s gymnasium.
The chief executive said “the theme of our anniversary
celebration is ‘Pagadian: Kakugi ug Paningkamot, Giya sa Malambuong Malungtaron
(Industry and hard work, the key to sustainable development)’ is a fitting reminder to all Pagadianons that being
industrious and hard working is the key to sustainable development.”
“I have always maintained and upheld the tradition of
my late father, then Mayor Warlito Pulmones, giving first priority to the needs
and concerns of the people,” he said.
“We, in the government will just do our share humble
and small in the delivery of basic services to our constituents,” Pulmones
added.
“It is our duty to get more work done and stick to this
for a longer time,” the mayor stressed adding that he is certain that “we shall
be able to overcome all the challenges, given the silent determination of
serious response loyal to the duties and responsibilities.”
He also reported that in his one year and two months stint
as chief executive, the city government has appropriated a total amount of P200
million for various infrastructure projects of which 60 projects were already completed
while the rest are ongoing.
Mayor Pulmones also announced during the occasion that
effective July 1, 2014 the city government will implement the 4th
tranche of the salary Standardization Law, which met a deafening applause by
the city employees and officials.
On the other hand, Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio
H. Cerilles who was ably represented by Provincial Administrator Frederick
Anthony Padayhag delivered the governor’s anniversary message saying that “being
industrious and hard working needs to come from our very own officials and employees
so that we can implement good programs that will benefit our people.”
“If we will be able to have our respective local
government units in the most peacefully, responsible and most efficient
streamlining are we able to deliver the kind of basic services that is expected
of us as government officials,” he stressed.
Prior to the anniversary program, a grand
civic-military parade was held with the different regional, provincial and city
offices, Philippine National Police (PNP), First Intantry “Tabak” Division,
Philippine Army, (AFP-PA), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP),
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), non-government and people’s organizations,
civic organizations, academe, city officlas and employees and barangay
officials as participants.