ISABELA CITY,
Basilan, March 9 (PIA) – The Province of Basilan celebrated its
41st founding anniversary Saturday (March 7), literally with a “bang.”
A display and
demonstration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
The display of
military’s capability in Basilan drew mixed reactions from the public and even
in the social media. Some found it unnecessary, as it seemed to have sent a
wrong signal of depicting Basilan as a war-torn area. Others were just amazed
by the military’s capability in protecting the civilians from terrorists.
“The celebration
this year is explosive,” a spectator commented as he likened the army’s display
of firepower to the explosive display of culture and diversity in Basilan and
that Basileños are also ‘explosive’ in the desire to attain a lasting peace in
Basilan.
“Many cultures,
one Basilan” was the main slogan of the month-long celebration with the theme
“Diverse tribes in harmony, moving forward with one goal” showcasing the
different cultures and tribes in Basilan from Feb 26 to March 5.
Each municipality
and city displayed an array of culture depicting local traditions, beliefs, and
practices of particular tribes assigned to them, such as Chavacano and Chinese
(Isabela City); Bisaya, Ilonggo, Ilocano, and Tagalog (Lamitan City); Tausugs
(Maluso and Tabuanlasa); Sama Bangingi (Lantawan); Bajau (Hji Muhtamad); Yakans
(Sumisip, Tipo-Tipo, Ungkaya Pukan, and Al-Barka); Maguindanao (Tuburan);
Maranao (Mohamad Ajul); and Iranun (Akbar).
A Trade and
Tourism Expo 2015 on Feb 26 opened the celebration. The provincial tourism
office said the expo would last until the end of March. Visitors can still see
the display of goods, products, and indigenous hand-woven Yakan textiles at the
Provincial Capitol lobby.
Simultaneous
mangrove and tree planting activity was also done last Feb. 27 at Tairan,
Lantawan.
In her
anniversary message, Governor Jum J. Akbar proudly presented her last year’s
accomplishments that contributed to the improvement of local governance and
services. Its employees have received their salary increase based on Salaries
Standardization Law 4.
The provincial
government was also recognized for its up-to-date payment and/or remittances to
PhilHealth and GSIS.
The governor has
also received a plaque of recognition from PhilHealth Basilan as one of the top
10 remitting institutions in Basilan.
“At this year’s
celebration it is but fitting to remember and cherish the contributions that
each Basileno and institution have given to where we are now, especially we
want to focus on the positive things that we have shared as one people,” Akbar
said.
In his message
read by DILG-ARMM Secretary Junni Ilimin, ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv S.
Hataman took pride of his roots as Basileno, bringing it along whenever he
makes representations in various occasions and events in government, local and
abroad.
“Nararamdaman na
natin ngayon ang pagbabago at kaunlaran ng Basilan (We are already witnessing
the changes and progress of Basilan) through the leadership of our very own
Governor Akbar,” Hataman said.
He stressed that
in spite of the diversity of peoples, faith, and culture in the province, “the
people’s unity and cooperation is forever crucial to a progressive society.” He
also called on the leaders to be faithful to their mandate and duty to exercise
good governance, thereby encourage public’s participation in community
development and peace building.
Moreover, he
encouraged the public to participate in the establishment of the Bangsamoro
government and continue to work and aspire for peace amidst the recent
challenges of the Mamasapano incident, which derailed the ongoing peace process
of the government with the Moro Islamic Liberation front (MILF).
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1421425872902/basilan-celebrates-41st-founding-anniversary
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.