Pagadian City (September
11, 2019) – Zamboanga del Sur marked its 67th Founding Anniversary
with festive and colorful activities bearing the theme “Hawak Kamay Tungo sa Tagumpay:
Angat ang Bawat Zambosurians”.
The week-long celebration was
ushered in with its first ever Provincial Color Fun Run participated by around
6,000 participants from different sectors of the community.
After the fun-filled event, an
ecumenical mass, raising of banners and grand ritual opening was held at the
Megayon Stage signifying the official start of the celebration.
The opening program was
attended by Gov. Victor Yu, 1st District Congw. Divina Grace Yu, 2nd
District Cong. Leonardo Babasa Jr., Vice Governor Roseller Ariosa, Pagadian Mayor
Sammy Co, Major General Roberto Ancan of the 1st Infantry Division, PNP
Regional Director Brig Gen Froilan Quidilla, DILG Regional Director Faisal
Abutasil, Napolcom Regional Director Atty. Pablito Abad, Provincial PNP Zambosur
Director Redentor Retusto, board members, local chief executives, and government
workers.
Cong. Leonardo Babasa gave his
welcome address where he emphasized the celebration as a time to embody the qualities
of camaraderie, vitality and compassion, and to showcase the province’s colorful
traditions and bountiful resources.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, the guest of honor during
the event, was introduced by the first lady of the province, Congw. Divina
Grace Yu.
In his keynote speech, Año said the Megayon Festival is
a celebration of life, success, and bountiful harvest.
He also praised the accomplishments
of the new administration of Gov. Yu, and for upholding the principle of “good
governance” under his leadership.
The secretary shared
thoughts on the challenges of nation-building and urged Zambosurians to take
part in governance until it becomes one of the leading provinces in the country.
“My beloved Zambosurians,
nation-building is no easy task. There will be a lot of heartaches and frustrations
along the way but it is a dream that is believable, doable and reachable,” the
secretary said.
Meanwhile, Governor Victor Yu explained
that he wanted the people to personally experience the difference between this
year’s celebration and the previous years.
He recounted that the past celebrations
became a challenge for the new administration to reflect and improve.
“The (leadership) experience
we had in the past 67 years became a challenge for us on how to improve
ourselves especially this year…This is a showcase for this new government,” Yu
pointed out.
The father of the province once
again said that people’s participation is crucial for the success of any democratic
leadership.
“I know that no matter how good a government is,
if there’s no people participation, we can’t be successful,” the governor
pointed out.
