CAGAYAN DE ORO City, May 20, 2013—Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma during a Mass on Friday reminded Mayor-elect Oscar “Oca” S. Moreno and the city councilors-elect of the eight-point governance agenda that they should implement starting on their first day in office, June 30.
These are (1) water system improvements; (2) health program for the poor; (3) increased budget allotment for the city hospital; (4) city peace and order); (5) environmental preservation and cleanliness; (6) enforcement of traffic rules and regulations; (7) transparency of city hall; and (8) balanced integrated urban-rural development.
In his homily during the Thanksgiving Mass offered by Team Oca Friday night, Ledesma echoed these “marching orders” as he stressed the need for newly-elected public officials to adhere to the principles of solidarity, participation and political charity.
These three principles, he stressed, are the foundation for good governance “that should be heeded especially by our public officials.”
But these principles also apply to everyone, the voters, the electorate, the people who chose their “leaders” when they exercise their right of suffrage last May 13.
The eight-point governance agenda was earlier endorsed by the church-based alliance of private and public groups called Manag-silingan Ta, which also urged “for an urgent change in the city government to a participatory, people-community development-driven, transparent governance.”
“We can achieve change in our city under an atmosphere of developmental vision, professionalism and competence, transparency and integrity—which we can bond together under a brand of servant-leadership with our people at heart,” the group said.
Mayor-elect Moreno — who heard mass with his family — was observed to have looked and listened intently to Ledesma the entire sermon.
But when Ledesma started itemizing each of the eight point governance agenda, Moreno started covering his face and looked down at his feet — a visible sign that he has realized the enormity of the task of “changing” Cagayan de Oro for the better or even for the best.
Kagay-anons, who were dreaming for change but were frustrated in 2010, gave their all-out support to Moreno, whose “Hapsay nga Pang-gobyerno” campaign slogan summarized all their dreams and wishes for Northern Mindanao’s premier city.
Hapsay nga pang-gobyerno or good governance can only be achieved when those elected adhere to the three principles of solidarity, participation and political charity, Ledesma said. (Bong D. Fabe)
