MARAWI CITY – Elected officials from 39 municipalities and one city in Lanao Del Sur joined in a mass oath-taking ceremony that also served as the main highlight of the province’s 63rd Founding Anniversary on July 4th at the Provincial Capitol Gym here.
Governor Mamintal ‘Bombit’ Adiong and Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid ‘Mujam’ Adiong led the month-long celebration graced by Senator Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri who officiated the oath-taking.
"Bilang anak rin po ng Mindanao, at bilang kapitbahay niyo po mula Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur has always been dear to me, and I have always endeavored to advocate for the betterment of the province in my work as legislator,” said Zubiri.
“Kaya salamat po sa pag imbita niyo sa akin dito ngayon; napakalaking karangalan ko po na mag-officiate ng inyong oath taking," he said.
Zubiri thanked the officials and the people of Lanao del Sur for their support during the elections, stressing that although he did not get the most votes in Lanao del Sur as there were two Muslim senatorial candidates, he was the most favored non-Muslim senatorial bet across the province.
Nevertheless, the Senator said, he is committed to help the province and provide whatever is needed in the area.
Representatives of the two congressional districts of Lanao del Sur -- Congressman Ziaur-Rahman Adiong and Congressman Yasser Balindong – also joined the mass oath-taking and both called for unity for the development of the province.
Adiong said the oath-taking affirmed the commitment of the elected officials to serve their communities and pledge to hold themselves accountable to the people. "We won't promise anything but we have to work hard," he said.
"We are reminded once again that the public trust bestowed upon us comes with great understanding that we must lead our towns, our city, and our province with due transparency and accountability to continue improving the quality of lives of our people," said Congressman Balindong.
Balindong also vowed to execute and promote reforms in the local government as well as improve the implementation of the policies they created and will create.
Meanwhile, Governor Adiong in his inaugural message summarized his agenda for his first 100 days in office which focuses on energy, economy, agriculture, employment, tourism, social welfare, environment and infrastructure development.
Adiong's first priority will focus on the productive use of renewable energy under the Development for Renewable Energy Applications Mainstreaming and Market Sustainability (DREAMS) Project that will be managed by the provincial government in partnership with DOE and UNDP.
He said a Memorandum of Undertaking was entered into by the Provincial Government and the Department of Energy for the implementation of solarization of the Provincial Capitol and the electrification of the two islands in Balt.
This includes water, sanitation and hygiene and providing toilets in 10 municipal towns of the province, said Adiong.