The Mayor's speech during the PP12 Opening Ceremony

Mayor Ronald Aquino as he delivered his Welcome Message during the Opening Ceremony for Pacific Partnership 2012. Also in photo are Admiral Cecil Haney, Governor Sharee Ann Tan, Ambassador Harry Thomas and Monsignor Francisco Cinco, III. (Photo by Joel Lagang)

Good Morning! Maupay nga aga sa atun ngatanan!


It is always a pleasure to deliver speeches that welcome guests to our beloved City of Calbayog. My welcome speech this morning is a notch above the rest, because we are welcoming no less that the Ambassador of the United States; and most importantly, we are welcoming our medical workers and friends from the military from both the Philippines and the United States who have come to Calbayog to become medical missionaries ready to serve our less-fortunate constituents.


Please allow me to repeat the line which I always say when I welcome guests to Calbayog. To Ambassador Thomas and all our guests, I say welcome to Calbayog, the City of Many Identities. Name it and Calbayog is it. The city of talented people, the city of waterfalls, the city where God was generous in giving many natural wonders, a city now on its way to progress. And lately, we have added another identity, Calbayog the most peaceful city in region 8 (If you do not believe me, you can always ask our officials from the PNP).


How I wish that Ambassador Thomas is here in Calbayog today on R and R (or rest and recreation) so I can show him the natural wonders and attractions of our city. How I wish that our guests are here in Calbayog to relax and enjoy our food like the Humba, the Tinapa and our pili-nut delicacies. Maybe, when they have finished their mission, they can come back to enjoy our beach, our waterfalls and yes cold beer and sunsets, and other good things that equate with the city of Calbayog.


Calbayog is a city on the rise to progress. Many investors have taken a close look at our city. The price of real property is on the rise. Some banks have considered Calbayog as ripe for investments. In a few months’ time, malls and commercial establishments are expected to rise, promising to change not only the skyline of Calbayog, but its economic profile as well.


There are many more good news that can be said about Calbayog. Whatever modest success we have had in various areas of governance, these were brought about by the cooperation between the LGU and our stakeholders, many of whom are present here today, the DepEd, the SOS, WESADEF, the Rotary Club, the Barangay officials, to name a few. Our modest successes were dictated by our mantra which is to have a government that works with the people and not only to work for the people. In other words, before Pacific Partnership 2012 (or PP12) came to be, we in Calbayog were already doing the theme of PP12. That we in Calbayog have been working together towards a better community.


But of course it is not a totally rosy picture that we can paint about Calbayog. Calbayog is not (yet) perfect. We are still far from achieving our goals of a perfect place for every Calbayognon. Much still needs to be done for Calbayog. The local leadership is realistic enough to acknowledge that we still need to do much for our people, especially those who have less or nothing in life; for those who do not have easy access to employment, housing, proper nutrition, and especially proper health care and health services. We may be able to come up with novel programs to minimize problems like these, but we will still be needing all the help that we can get. And today we thank PP12 for the help that they are about to extend to our people in Calbayog. Together with our stakeholders, we say thank you for considering the City of Calbayog.


Every assistance that you will give, every medical service that you will extend is a big step forward for us in our efforts for a better life for our people especially in the barangays. Indeed, if I may rephrase a line recently said by Aung San Suu Kyi, one sick child who is not taken care of is one too many; one sick person who does not receive the medical care he deserves is one too many.


To our friends from Pacific Partnership 2012, thank you for coming to Calbayog. Yes, we all intend to work together to put in place better communities. Let us work together towards a better Calbayog and a better Samar.


It is on that note that I welcome you all to Calbayog. Dayun kam sa ciudad san Calbayog.


Salamat ug Maupay nga adlaw sa atun ngatanan!

The Mayor's Independence Day Speech

Vice Mayor Rey James Uy, The Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, An atun mga tinahud nga Kapitanes san magkadurudila-in nga Barangay, Department Managers of both Local and National Offices, The officers and men of PNP Calbayog led by Major Obong, Assistant Department Managers; mga hinigugma ko nga mga empleyado san ciudad san Calbayog, sugad man san mga pribado nga buhatan.


Maupay nga adlaw sa atun ngatanan.


Siento-katorse (114) na ka-anyos an nakalabay yana nga adlaw tikang san guin wagayaway ni Heneral Emilio Aguinaldo an bandera san Pilipinas didto sa iya mansyon sa Kawit, Cavite. Adto nga iya guin buhat usa la san damo ug magkadurudila-in pa nga pitad nga guin buhat san atun mga bayani (o national heroes) agud makab-ut san Pilipinas an katalwasan tikang san mga kakuri-an nga hatag san mga langyawanun nga pwersa nga nagsakop san atun nasud.


Siento-katorse (114) na katu-ig nga an Pilipinas nagdudumdum sini nga mahinungdanun nga okasyon. Ug damu sa atun an nahihinumdum pa san engrande nga Centennial Independence Day Celebration nga guin buhat san tu-ig 1998.


If my memory serves me right, it was in June 12, 1997, during the launching of the said celebration when I delivered my first Independence Day message as Vice Mayor, representing our then mayor, the late Reynaldo Uy.


Ug sa iyo nga bahin, ika-damu na kam liwat ka-beses mag-atendir sini nga selebrasyon diin atun guin dudum-dum an mga ka-agi ug mga binuhatan (o heroic deeds) san atun mga national heroes. (Baga an kadam-an ngani sa atun nasusumhan na ada kay sa nakalabay nga pipira katu-ig, baga nagtika guti-ay an na-atendir sini nga slebrayon.)


Kay nanu nga angay kita mag salin-urog sini nga selebrasyon? Sugad san mga anibersaryo o kun nanu pa man nga mga mahinungdanun nga okasyon sa atun kinabuhi, ini nga pagdumdum natun san “istorya” (history) san atun nasud, atun guin bubuhat agud kita magkamay-ada higayun agud mamamalandung kun hain na kita komo usa nga nasud; kun guin ananu natun pag mangno san katalwasan nga guin sakripisyohan san dugo o kinabuhi san atun mga national heroes. Ini ba nga ira mga binuhatan dida nala dudumdumon sa mga libro o san tinu-ig nga okasyon pareho san Independence Day, o san National Heroes Day?


Tingali may mabatun, kay talwas na man kita san mga langyawanon nga nagsakup san Pilipinas. Yes, the conquerors are gone. Sering pa san mga historians, the Filipinos have stayed in the convent for three hundred years; and the Filipinos danced to the music of Holywood and Uncle Sam for fifty years. Oo, ini ngatanan naka-agi na. Pero sa usa nga bahin, Ini ngatanan nagin rason san atun mga national heroes nga umato agud makatalwas an Pilipinas; ug ini ngatanan dire natun angay hingalimtan.


Ug yana nga adlaw nagkatitirok kita agud maghinumdum. Kun atun babasahun an tema sini nga selebrasyon , “Kalayaan, Pananagutan nga bayan tungo sa Tuwid na Daan.” Ini nga tema nag papahinumdum sa atun nga presente nga henerasyon, nga kita may-ada responsibilidad nga proteheran ini nga atun katalwasan tubtub nga makaplagan natun an atun mga larang san maupay, kun dire man perpekto nga kabutang sa kinabuhi.


Wara na an mga langywanon nga nagsakup san Pilipinas. Pero aada la guihapun an kakuri-an sa kadam-an natun nga igkasi-Pilipino. This is a different kind of conqueror that is in our midst; this is a different kind of conqueror that we the Filipinos must fight against. We are called to use our freedom to fight for the ideals of our brother Filipinos which I believe translate to two words: peace and prosperity.


Oo, usa san labi kadako nga responsibilidad san gubierno mao an pagpadangat kamurayaw ug progreso. Pero angay natun hinumduman nga kinahanglan san gubierno, kinahanglan namun nga iyo mga opisyales an koopersayon, an suporta, ug an pakig-usa niyo ngatanan.


Kun iyo pa nahihinumdum, dida san akun mensahe san Independence day san nakalabay nga tu-ig, akun guin say-say an pipira nga pitad nga guin buhat san lokal nga pan-gubiernuhan san ciudad san Calbayog, pina-agi sini nga iyo ubos nga surugu-on. Ada na an atun pagtuhay san financial concerns san ciudad pareho san pag-update san remittances sa GSIS, sa BIR ug san iba pa nga financial institutions.


Tungod sini, damo na an empleyado nga nakaka-avail san mga loans. Ada na liwat dida an atun partial nga implimentasyon san salary increases. Hina-ut unta nga ini nga mga pitad, padisan liwat san maupay nga pitad sa parte san atun mga empleyado, pareho san pagsul-ot san uniporme, o pagsulod sa opisina nga temprano o kundi man sa tama nga oras.


Calbayog City is a city on the rise to progress. Damu nga nga mga investors an interesado sa Calbayog. Ug base san feasibility study san usa nga banko, an Calbayog daku an potential for economic growth and for investments. Natu-o ako nga usa nga factor sini nga panhitabo mao an kamurayaw sa atun ciudad. Base san 2011 year-end report san PNP Region 8, an ciudad san Calbayog mao an “the most peaceful city in region 8”. Ini tungod san paniguro san atun kapulisan, kaupod na an koopersasyon san mga opiyales ug labi na kita nga mga lumulopyo san Calbayog.


Sa nakalabay nga pipira na ka-bulan, damu nga mga regional conferences an guin bubuhat dinhi sa Calbayog. Maupay ini nga panhitabo. Makakabulig ini san atun pagpalangbo san turismo dinhi sa atun dapit. Hinay-hinay, atun guin papaka-upay an mga tourism potentials san ciudad. Usa na dida an atun pagpaka-upay san Malajog nga guin tikangan pina-agi san pag semento san access road sa nasabi nga lugar. Sa luyo nga bahin, amun kikinahanglanun an iyo bulig pina-agi san pag-ugop ug pag-promote san tourism potential san Calbayog.


Ini nga akun mga guin say-say pipira la san magkadurudila-in pa nga pitad san ciudad san Calbayog, “mga hakbang tungo sa matuwid na daan”. And in this case, I see the “matuwid na daan” as a haven of peace and prosperity for our people. We are far from achieving our goals of a perfect place for every Calbayognon. But as I have just enumerated, slowly but surely we have inched our way to getting near these ideals. Hinay-hinay nagkikiwa kita apesar san daku nga kaibanan san atun Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).


Ada liwat an atun padayun nga aktibo nga suporta kaparte san educkasyon sa Calbayog, hina-ut unta nga ini nga pitad padisan san mas aktibo pa nga suporta san atun mga opisyales ug lumulupyo san atun mga Barangay.


Ada liwat an an atun panginano san mga Barangay nga may-ada high incidence of malnutrition. Kaupod an mga taga-Barangay, ug mga NGOs, atun guin bubuhat 120-day supplemental milk feeding programs sa mga Barangay.


Ug yana nga adlaw, sugad san atun guin buhat kanina, atun guin lansar an Cash-for-Training-for-Work Program. Usa ini san atun mga pa-agi nga makabulig san atun mga gudti nga parapangisda ur mga parag-uma.


Sa ti-abot nga panahon may-ada pa natun mga programa nga an kaladnganan an pagbulig san atun katawhan sa aspeto san panlawas, pakabuhi, edukasyon, ug iba pa nga makakahatag dignidad san atun mga igkasi-tawo.


Pero sugad san akun guin sering kanina, an atun pagkiwa pagkab-ut an atun mga-upay nga larang dire kanan gubierno la. Mayda liwat natun tagsa-tagsa (o personal) nga responsibilidad. Seguro kaupod na dida an atun pagsunod san mga balaud mapa-lokal man o nacional nga mga balaud. Kaupod na dida an mga simple nga buruhatun kada adlaw, pareho san dire paglabog san basura sa bisan diin la nga dapit. Ada na dida an pag-segregate san atun mga basura. Ada na an panginananu san atun mga kabataan nga angay adto na sa atun mga panimalay kun oras na san curfew. Ada na dida an pag report san mga nagbubuhat san iligal nga aktibidad pareho san droga. Ada na an atun pag report san mga nagamit dinamita sa pangisda.


One way or the other, your officials and your peace officers are do their best, but along the way, we need the help of the Calbayognon.


Yes, we have our own obligations to show the world that we are one as a people in Calbayog. Nga nagkaka-urosa kita para san ciudad san Calbayog; nga nagkaka-urosa kita pagkiwa para san pagpaka-upay san Calbayog.


Sa katapusan, seguro tama gad liwat adto nga atun kabugtu-an nga nasumhan na pag-inatendir sini nga selebrasyon. Sugad san guin sering san 1998 centennial prayer, an pagsalin-urog sa atun katalwasan dire a-ada la san mga seremonyas ug cultural presentations, kundi ada san katumanan nga an Pilipino talwas san “kadena” nga dara san kakuri-an san aspeto sa pan-ekonomiya. Hinaut unta nga ini nga atun tinu-ig nga selebrasyon magpahinumdum sa atun ngatanan nga atun manta igkasi-Pilipino an makiki-ambit san honor ug kadayeganan (glory) nga atun makakab-ut san atun pagka-urosa para san pagpaka-upay san nasud, ug san atun minahal nga ciudad san Calbayog.


Salamat ug Maupay nga adlaw sa atun ngatanan!

The Mayor's Speech at the St. Camillus Anniversary Dinner

Mayor Ronald Aquino was among the guests invited to the 16th Anniversary Dinner program of the St. Camillus Hospital. The event was held earlier tonight at the SCH Conference Hall. Here's the message delivered by the mayor during the said event:

Akun i-guin kakalipay an pakigduyog san atun mga kasangkayan dinhi sa St. Camillus Hospital san ira pagsalin-urog san ira ika-16 nga anibersaryo. An ciudad san Calbayog nakikiduyog sa iyo ngatanan san paglipay ug sugad man pagpasalamat san Makagarahum tungod sini nga mahinungdanun nga okasyon.


Of course, for the past 16 years that now famous story about the search for a good bottle of has been said over and over again. Thank God for the late Nuncio Gian Vincenzo Moreni, Bishop Max Cruz, the late Msgr. Basiling and your very own Fr. Galvani. Here we are tonight pondering upon the past 16 years which has made St. Camillus Hospital an important institution in Calbayog.


Certainly, that search for the correct wine has come a long way in serving the people of Calbayog and the people of Samar.


But more than the stories and the socials and trivia attached with the history of the hospital, there is one important aspect that one has to look into – that through the years St. Camillus Hospital has cared for the poor-sick of Calbayog. The Local Government Unit of Calbayog can attest to that.


The hospital is one of our important stakeholders in governance. SCH is an important partner in our effort to answer the health needs of the less-fortunate Calbayognons. And more than just accepting patients, SCH went beyond the walls of the hospital. Last week, we took part in the closing ceremony of one of its extension programs, the Mother and Children Health Program. We are happy to be part of that endeavor. And we thank the SCH for that activity and their other undertaking all aimed at providing service to our people.


And then there is that question. Why do we celebrate anniversaries? Well, for one thing, there is always the food and on the side, the drinking. I still have to look for some famous quotation which could give a good answer to that question. From a personal viewpoint, I believe that we celebrate anniversaries for us to know where we are, have far we have gone and how much more we need to do to achieve whatever good intentions we have for ourselves, in this case, for the community.


Tonight’s anniversary celebration is but proper. This is an occasion for you to pause and thank the Lord this “gift of the Camillian community in Calbayog”. It’s a chance for you to pause and ponder upon where you are; to ponder upon how far you have gone to be of service to the community. It’s a moment for you to pause and look at how much good you have offered to the people of Calbayog City.


And as you do that, do ponder upon the long road ahead, that road characterized by more service to the people. And yes, for you, the St. Camillus Hospital to have existed this long, you must be certainly doing something good.


As we salute you on your anniversary, we look forward to more years of fruitful partnerships with St. Camillus Hospital and the Camillian community.


Again, on behalf of the City of Calbayog, I extend my Congratulations and wish for a meaningful anniversary celebration.


Salamat ug maupay nga gab-i sa atun ngatanan!

Mayor Aquino's Speech at the EVASS-PLEASES Convention

Mayor Ronald Aquino was invited to deliver a Welcome Message during the 2012 Eastern Visayas Association of Secretaries to the Sanggunian – Philippine League of Secretaries to the Sanggunian, Inc.(EVASS-PLEASES)Regional Convention. The said event formally opened this morning at the Ciriaco Hotel. Here's the text of the Mayor's speech:

Maupay nga adlaw sa atun ngatanan.


Let me begin by saying thank you to your group for extending an invitation for me to be part of your regional convention here in Calbayog City. Activities like these tell us that something good must be happening in Calbayog; and that people outside our area are taking notice of it. On the other hand, it also serves as a reminder for us to do more to make Calbayog even better.


If my memory serves me right, the last time I delivered a welcome message during a regional meeting in Calbayog was last February. It was during the Management Conference of the DENR. And when I deliver speeches like this, I always end up sounding like a salesman trying to sell Calbayog.


And let me sell Calbayog by bidding you welcome to the city of many identities. Name it and Calbayog is it: a city of waterfalls; a city of natural wonders; a city of talented people; a city of vibrant cultural tradition as shown in its performing arts; and yes, it is in Calbayog where you can find the best-tasting tinapa, humba and pili-nut delicacies. Lately we have been announcing another identity for Calbayog, that of Calbayog being a city on the rise to progress. Late last year, some officials from neighboring municipalities were quoted as saying that Calbayog is the next big thing in Eastern Visayas; that Calbayog is the next city to see in Eastern Visayas. Indeed, big businesses have taken a close look at Calbayog. In a few months’ time, malls are to rise, and we expect more establishments to set up shop in the city. Of course all these are good news. And to our guests from outside Calbayog, please tell your friends back that as of December last year, as per PNP Region 8 report, Calbayog is the most peaceful city in Region 8. Sa dagmit nga sumat, wara magsala an mga opisyales ug mga miembro san EVASS-PLEASES san iyo pagpili san Calbayog para san iyo Regional Convention yana nga tu-ig.


Your decision to hold your meeting in our place is of great help in our effort to put in place systems that will add another name to Calbayog, that as a Convention City of Samar and hopefully, region 8. Kumbaga, tikang na ini san amon mga pitad ka-parte guihapun san amun pagpalangbo san turismo dinhi sa ciudad sa Calbayog.


If I may inform you, aside from nutrition and health services, as well as peace and order, tourism is also high in the agenda of the LGU for year 2012 and onwards. Hopefully, our guests from Eastern Visayas who are present today can help us spread the word that Calbayog is worth visiting; that it is more fun in Calbayog; and that Calbayog (also) spells G-R-E-A-T.
Again as I said earlier, when I deliver speeches like this, I always end up sounding like a salesman trying to sell Calbayog. And forgive me if I am going to do it again today. Calbayog is a city of natural wonders. We have a good number of waterfalls, among which is Bangon Falls where nature-trippers and hikers can have a good time. Those who enjoy spelunking (or cave exploration) will appreciate the beauty of Guinogo-an Cave. For the beach bum, Malajog beach is a few kilometers away from the city.


Yes, I bid you welcome with an enumeration of the good news that is Calbayog. But on the other hand, we also acknowledge the sad reality about needing to do more for our constituents who do not have much in life, especially on health services. And, just like the rest of the world, we are also aware of that latest development which affects all of us – climate change. (Joke: kun nanu ka-importante ini nga issue, kun atun oobserbaran, pamati ko bisan sa mga beauty contests, an guin yayakan na san mga contestants dire na about world peace, kundi climate change and care for the environment).


I understand that during your plenary session this afternoon, your guest of honor, Congressman Mel Sarmiento will be giving a keynote address on the environment, particularly the issue on climate change. If only to give you some idea about the local scenario, I would like to cite some actions that the local government unit of Calbayog has done to care for the environment which translates to doing something to curb climate change. To name a few:

• The City of Calbayog went beyond the annual Earth Hour celebration. We have passed an ordinance which made it a nightly event, wherein we encourage out constituents to put off their lights, or at least minimize usage of electricity for one hour every night. We still need to see the result of this ordinance, but surely this is one good step toward caring for the environment.
• The observance of a plastics-free weekend in Calbayog started with a mere Executive Order issued by my late predecessor. Late last year the observance became mandatory after our Sangguniang Panlungsod passed an ordinance which called on everyone to observe cellophane-free or plastics-free weekends in Calbayog.
• For a good number of times, some quarters called for the phasing out of the iconic PD cabs in Calbayog, or the “traysikol” as many of us here would call it. But in this era of calls for less gas emissions, I think the “traysikul” will have to stay. What we did was to regulate that number of these which ply the city.
• During our recent farmer’s congress, we once again emphasized our advocacy by encouraging our famers to make some natural fertilizers out of their “uhot” (dayami) instead of burning it.
• The City Solid Waste Management Office and our garbage collection service provider have strictly implemented their “no segregation-no collection” policy with regard to solid waste in the various barangays of the city. I heard from some of our employees that they have started to segregate their waste products right in their own homes.
• The same office is also busy with their advocacy campaigns on environment protection.
• Together with some private individuals, we have put in place the “Save the Calbayog River Movement”. Under the auspices of this group and other private individuals, we have put in place the Linis Estero Program.
• Through the CENRO, we are still on the frontline in our fight against illegal loggers, especially in the watershed area of Calbayog.

Talking about our watershed area, I told this to our friends from the DENR last February, and I think I would like to tell the same thing to you today, considering the theme of your convention this year. We have noticed a change in the tracks of storms that visited the Visayas area. From being a typhoon-prone city, Calbayog it seems is now out of “harm’s way” unlike other areas in Samar and Leyte. We have always been thankful to the almighty for this. Together with our faith came an explanation which made us more determined to protect the environment, especially our water shed area. This happened a few years ago, during a “Climate Change Conference” held in Calbayog. In that conference, a resource speaker took note about the recent change of path of the various typhoons or tropical depressions that hit the country, particularly Eastern Visayas. He explained that this phenomenon was brought about by the fact that the presence of a healthy watershed area made Calbayog cooler and thus put her out of the storms’ path in the past years. Yes, at least in region 8, Calbayog still tops them all in terms of a healthy watershed area.


Having enumerated some of our modest successes with regard to the environment, we also acknowledge that much still needs to be done for the environment, especially here in Region 8. And it is nice to note that you have considered caring for the environment and addressing climate change as part of your agenda in this convention.


Whatever actions, thrusts, programs or policies you may come up with in the next few days, and in your future gatherings, always think about our constituents in region 8. Always consider how you can be more of service to the people of Eastern Visayas.


Lastly, let me go back to my earlier statement about the many identities of Calbayog. Kun akun pa pag dudugngan an akun kanina guin say-say nga mga mag-upay nga butang sa Calbayog, akun liwat i-guin kakalipay pagpahibaro sa iyo nga dinhi sa Calbayog an pinakamarasa nga Tinapa sugad man humba. Sanglit, niyan o buwas, ig-request sa iyo host nga serbehan kam san humba, ug antes kam bumalk sa iyo tagsa-tagsa nga lugar, pag-request kam sa iyo host nga pabalunan kam san Tinapa sugad man san pili-nut delicacies tikang kan Man Aking.


Hina-ut unta nga magin malinangpuson ini nga iyo aktibidad yana nga adlaw. Hina-ut unta nga ini nga pitad mag resulta san mas maupay o mas epektibo pa nga serbisyo ngadto san atun mga igkasi taga siniringan bisayas (Eastern Visayas), ngadto san atun mga lumulupyo sa rehiyon ocho (8).


Sa utro, an akun pagpasalamat san iyo pagkanhi sa Calbayog. Salamat ug Maupay nga adlaw sa atun ngatanan!

A message for Educators and Christie Regians

Last October 28, 2011, during the celebration of the the 25th Anniversary of the Spirit of Assisi at Christ the King College, Mr. Pio Santos and his wife Francie were given the Bahandi Samarnon Award as Outstanding Educators. Mr. Santos delivered an acceptance speech which paid tribute to the teachers and personnel of Christ the King College. He reminded everyone the first and foremost teaching is a vocation. He also paid tribute to Christ the King College and how it helped mold many generations of Calbayognons.


Here's the text of that speech:


... honored guests, members of the faculty and other school personnel, ladies and gentlemen, good evening.


We will be the biggest liars on this globe if we will dare say that we have not been deeply touched or emotionally overwhelmed by the wonderful gesture bestowed on us by the Christ the King College community.


Never, even in our wildest dreams, did we ever expect that we will be accorded such a distinct and signal honor as what we are receiving today. For the two of us and for the members of our family, this is a momentous day. It is a day to be treasured and remembered by all of us until the last breath of our lives.


This evening's event is supposed to be a recognition of what we have done or what we have contributed in making CKC into the fine institution of learning that it is today. And CKC believes that it is payback time. We are however, of firm belief that while it might be true that we have done something for the growth and development of CKC, we cannot also ignore the fact that we were not alone in the task of educating the young; that the teachers and the other school personnel have also contributed immensely in transforming CKC into an excellent academic institution. It is not a one-man job, it is a team effort. If nothing can be done without God, then nothing can also be achieved without the cooperation of the teachers and the other school personnel.


Thus what makes this evening's affair so meaningful and doubly significant is the fact that the accolade bestowed on the two of us by CKC silently includes also the members of the faculty and the other school personnel. While the plaques that are given to us are personal in nature and the citations written on them are meant for us, behind those inscriptions are also etched the recognition by this institution of the work and cooperation of the teachers and personnel; it is a recognition of the collective pleasures, the triumphs, the joys and the little disappointments that we, the teachers and personnel, have all shared together. These plaques symbolize our collective friendship, camaraderie and companionship. These plaques and citations are not only meant for the two of us - these are intended for all of us - for our shared victories and defeats, for our laughter and tears.


And so for all these shared experiences - 

• we thank you Lord, for the moment that gave all of us the opportunity to be in CKC and to work with the students as they embark on their journey of life; on their journey of faith and on their quest for knowledge, their search for truth, justice and peace.

• we thank you Lord, for giving all of us the chance to be in the place where many young people experience their first real contact with the Church; their first entry in a Catholic school that teaches them to try  to live more by faith, hope and love than by value of consumer society.

• we thank you Lord for CKC and the chance to learn that teaching is more than a job; that it is more than a means of putting food on the table; that permanent employment and a good pay are not the only motivation for becoming a teacher.

• we thank you Lord for CKC - for exhorting us that teaching is not just a profession, but a vocation. It is a ministry, a calling from God.

Finally, on a personal note, may I, on behalf of Francie and all the members of the family, extend to the CKC community - to Rev. Fr. Marcelo Tubac, OFM, President of the College, to the religious and lay administrators, to the members of the faculty, to the rank and file personnel and the students and parents, my heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude.

We trust that everyone of you will find us worthy and deserving again of your trust and confidence.

Thank you, good night, god bless all of us. Mabuhay Christ the King College!