Moreno: Brace independence by addressing poverty, peace issues
THERE is no genuine peace until there is no peace in Mindanao, poverty is not alleviated, and people do not have the capacity to stand on their own feet.
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno urged Kagay-anons to uphold what the great heroes of the country fought for to attain independence by being vigilant at all times during the 121st Independence Day celebration at Kioko Kagawasan, Divisoria, here, June 12.
“We ask ourselves on how to address these basket of issues,” Moreno said emphasizing independence must be in the hearts of the people to realize that the independence needed is not only for one’s self but also for others.
He further said no matter how rich or powerful some people might be, there are still risks brought about by issues on peace and poverty, and such may eat up their success.
Thus, the mayor urged Kagay-anons to continue on working for security where all people will feel secured in the place where they live in, solidarity where everyone learns to accept diversity, and compassion which strengthens solidarity among people.
The city, as the mayor stressed, has remarkably made the big steps towards achieving such goals. For an instance, Cagayan de Oro City has been named as the pilot area for the creation of the National Resilience Council.
On top of the achievements of the city, Moreno encourages the youth to “build a community much better than we have.”
To make the celebration more significant, Moreno, MGen Franco Nemecio Gacal of 4th Infantry Division, and city officials led the raising of the flag with full military honors and executive wreath laying at the Rizal Monument.
Hundreds of eggs modeled after the Philippine map were also displayed and given to the participants of the celebration at Kiosko Kagawasan.