EdSa calls for ‘malasakit’ to spur growth, progress
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – “In this time of change and fast paced development in our midst, the keyword we must keep in our minds and hearts is ‘malasakit,’ which will help us move further while preserving our heritage and culture.”
Thus said Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago on Monday, as he spoke before officials, students, representatives from multisectoral groups and families of World War II during the city’s commemoration of the 76th Araw ng Kagitingan at the historic old train station here.
The mayor called on Fernandinos to exhibit “malasakit” or concern to fellow Fernandinos and Kapampangans in their home city to continuously preserve heritage and lessons of the past while bringing in sustainable development, stressing the need to emulate the selflessness manifested by heroes and war veterans in exchange for the freedom enjoyed by Filipinos today.
“Malasakit ang hinihingi ng panahon ngayon. Hindi dapat para sa sarili lang o sa kakaunting tao. Kailangan ng malasakit sa kapwa tao, sa bayan at sa kultura para sa kabuuang pagunlad (Concern is the call of the times. Concern not only for one’s self but for others, the country and our country to attain overall and sustainable development),” he said.
Santiago also reminded Fernandinos of the famous phrase “no man is an island,” thus “malasakit” is essential.
“But remember, we cannot do it alone. We cannot have everything. Let us not forget that a single person cannot do it all. Neither can he have it all. We have to have concern and reach out to others,” he furthered.
Santiago said that by honouring heroes and veterans, the city and Fernandinos are able to connect to the past and move ahead to the future.