DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, said, “We hold them (heroes) with high regard because they have selflessly given up themselves, putting all their energies and passion in service to our country for the betterment of our people.”
This was Degamo’s message when the provincial government marked National Heroes Day on Monday with a wreath laying ceremony, after the flag raising at the Freedom Park in Dumaguete City.
The present and future generations should emulate the selfless and outstanding service of the national heroes, who have individually and collectively determined the character of our nation, said the governor.
Degamo encouraged the present and future generations, especially the young people, to use their talents, their gifts, their ingenuity and skills to help advance the country’s prosperity.
“We have a strong foundation and as we pay homage to our national heroes today we shall to continue to strive to move forward to harness our God-given talents and work individually and collectively for the enrichment of our beloved Philippines,” the governor told the crowd that attended the provincial rites for a national celebration.
Provincial Administrator and Provincial Attorney Richard Enojo, for his part, said “we have a lot of heroes in our midst. We don’t have to die to become heroes.”
Enojo told the provincial employees that, “everybody is being challenged to do heroic deeds every day.” and that “every time we resist temptation, every time we resist corruption, every time we render overtime, every time employees come early are just little ways of contributing heroism in public service.”
Meanwhile, Degamo over the weekend received two awards, for the provincial government: One from the Department of Health (DOH) and the other from the regional office of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).
The awards were for best practices in his governance and for extending job opportunities to thousands of Negrenses, through Capitol’s year-round recruitment activities, in cooperation with recruitment agencies here and abroad.
Degamo said these awards will counter allegations that he is “unfit for government service.” The highest award for exemplary performance is given to a local government unit for its best practices to reduce poverty and malnutrition, he said.
The governor said he was not expecting any award for delivering basic services to the people but he was happy the provincial government was recognized by the DoH. “I don’t own the award, but the people of the Negros Oriental,” he said.
Degamo also assured Negrenses he will remain focused in achieving the goals of the province to uplift the quality of life of the people, no matter what his detractors will brand him. A big chunk of the provincial budget goes to health, as the top priority of his administration, he said.
On Sunday, he received in Cebu the second award, the highest award in Category A for the Public Service of PESO. “It’s not all about the award, but we just want to continue serving you well,” Degamo added. (FREEMAN)