CEBU, Philippines — Over a thousand community leaders joined the first “Panagtigum sa Dayung” hosted by the Danao City government.
The gathering of “purok” leaders was attended by Senator Imee Marcos.
“We have been asked a lot of times how we as a city, as a political entity survive despite all the challenges in recent years, well, behold the answer to that question, the people present today. They are proof that with unity, everything is possible. They are proof that with governance on your side, the people will definitely support you through thick and thin,” said Danao City Vice Mayor Nito Durano, who is also the chairperson of the local BAKUD Party.
The vice mayor said that the presence of purok leaders was a testament to their shared vision and commitment to Danao City’s progress and unity.
“Ako ay tuwang-tuwa sa purok system (Dayung). The leadership that derives from below, that knows the face of each and everyone, knows how to reach and repeatedly contact them to make sure that the services and goods that the government needs to distribute are adequately distributed and received by the righteous beneficiaries,” said Marcos in her speech.
Danao City Councilor Ivy Hotchkiss Durano expressed the city’s appreciation to Marcos and vowed their support for the senator’s advocacies and legislative agenda.
“Sama sa pagdayeg ug pagsuporta ni Senator Imee sa Dayung, mao sab ang mainiton nga pagsuporta sa ato’ng komunidad para sa iya’ng Legislative Agenda and Advocacies,” she said.
The city councilor added, “ang maong panagtigum usa sab ka selebrasyon sa pagkamatinud-anon ug pagkaabtik sa buhat sa ato’ng Dayung leaders nga kanunay’ng andam muabag sa ato’ng lokal nga kagamhanan sa paghatag og ligdong nga serbisyo para sa pamilyang Danawanon.”
Danao City Mayor Mix Durano told the community leaders that they are the extension of his administration.
“You are the extension of our administration. It is worth knowing that 50% of our community leaders belong to the youth sector. You have a bigger role in shaping and reshaping our policies and programs. You bring vibrancy and dynamism in our governance. Pinaagi sa inyo’ng tanang tabang ug kakugi, inyo’ng napaabot ug padayon pa’ng mapaabot sa tanang suok sa ato’ng dakbayan ang mga programa ug serbisyo sa katawhan,” he said.
Aside from gracing the event, Marcos also joined the birthday celebration of the vice mayor to honor and celebrate the lifelong friendship of the Marcoses and the Duranos beyond politics. (CEBU NEWS)