Philippines
Metro Manila
Biazon leads celebration of Muntinlupa's 108th founding anniversary
Biazon leads celebration of Muntinlupa's 108th founding anniversary
Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the celebration of Muntinlupa’s 108th founding anniversary on Dec. 19, emphasizing that it was shaped by generations to become one of the most progressive cities in the country.
"Sa loob ng 108 years, ang Muntinlupa ay naging komunidad na pinanday ng magkakaibang henerasyon—bawat isa ay may ambag, bawat isa ay mahalaga (For 108 years, Muntinlupa has become a community forged by different generations—each with a contribution, each one important),” he said in his speech at the celebration.
On Dec. 19, 1917, Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison signed Executive Order 108 that designated Muntinlupa as an independent municipality.
Muntinlupa became a highly urbanized city on March 1, 1995 when President Fidel V. Ramos signed Republic Act No. 7926 or the Charter of the City of Muntinlupa.
The 108th Muntinlupa founding anniversary event was attended by Muntinlupa Rep. Jaime Fresnedi, Vice Mayor Stephanie Teves-Wong, former mayor Ignacio Bunye, City Administrator Cachuela, councilors, department heads, employees, and residents.
Actor Matteo Guidicelli graced the occasion and performed for the audience.
Before the main celebration, Biazon led the blessing of the new Muntinlupa Inclusive Learning Resource Center, a facility for children with disabilities or developmental needs. The center has specialized programs, therapies, and learning tools to help in their growth and learning.
At the celebration, Biazon thanked the silent heroes who helped build Muntinlupa–the employees and residents who cooperate with the city government.
“Kaya ngayong araw na ginugunita natin ang 108th Founding Anniversary ng Muntinlupa, taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa ating silent heroes—mga bayani nating hindi naghihintay ng entablado o palakpakan (So today as we commemorate the 108th Founding Anniversary of Muntinlupa, I sincerely thank our silent heroes—our heroes who do not wait for a stage or applause),” he said.
He added, “Sila ang pumapasok sa opisina kahit pagod, inuuna ang serbisyo bago sarili, at patuloy na nagtatrabaho dahil alam nilang may umaasa sa kanila. Kasama rin dito ang ating mga kababayan na nakikipagtulungan sa pamahalaan para sa ikabubuti ng ating lungsod (They are the ones who come to the office even when they are tired, put service before themselves, and continue to work because they know that someone is counting on them. This also includes our fellow citizens who collaborate with the government for the betterment of our city).”
Biazon said the awards and commendations that Muntinlupa received this year are a testament to the efforts of the city government.
“Patunay nito ang maraming parangal na tinanggap ng Muntinlupa ngayong taon—mga pagkilalang ibinibigay lamang sa mga lungsod na may malinaw na direksyon, maayos na pamamahala, at tapat na paggamit ng pondo ng bayan. Malinaw sa ating lahat na ang mga parangal na ito ay hindi bunga ng swerte at lalong hindi gawa ng iisang tao. Ito ay resulta ng kolektibong pagsisikap ng ating mga tanggapan sa Pamahalaang Lungsod, ng ating mga kawani, at ng bawat lingkod-bayang tahimik ngunit tuloy-tuloy ang trabaho (This is evidenced by the many awards that Muntinlupa received this year—recognitions that are only given to cities with clear direction, sound governance, and honest use of public funds. It is clear to all of us that these awards are not the result of luck and especially not the work of one person. They are the result of the collective efforts of our City Government offices, our staff, and every public servant who quietly but consistently works),” he said.
He added, “Ipinapakita ng mga parangal na ito na kapag maayos ang sistema, malinaw ang direksyon, at tapat ang paglilingkod, ramdam ito ng mamamayan. Kapag pinangungunahan ng katotohanan ang ating ginagawa, doon nabubuo ang tiwala (These awards show that when the system is sound, the direction is clear, and the service is honest, the people feel it. When truth leads what we do, that is where trust is built. Truth builds trust). Truth builds trust.”
During his speech, Biazon announced additional financial incentives for city employees. These are the Service Recognition Incentive, Gratuity Pay, and Productivity Enhancement Incentive.
“Bagaman medyo masikip ang ating budget, ginawan natin ng paraan para maipagkaloob pa rin sa masisipag at qualified nating empleyado ang Service Recognition Incentive or SRI na 15 thousand pesos para sa casual and permanent employees! Syempre, para sa qualified Contract of Service at Job Order Personnel, mayroong Gratuity Pay na five thousand pesos. Meron pang Productivity Enhancement Incentive na five thousand pesos para sa qualified casual ang permanent employees, batay sa Executive Order 201 s. 2016 (Although our budget is a bit tight, we have made a way to still provide our hardworking and qualified employees with the Service Recognition Incentive or SRI of 15 thousand pesos for casual and permanent employees! Of course, for qualified Contract of Service and Job Order Personnel, there is a Gratuity Pay of five thousand pesos),” he said.
He said the incentives are higher this year compared to last year. He thanked the Muntinlupa City Council for passing the ordinances for the incentives.
For future generations, Biazon said, “At kung may iiwan tayong mensahe sa mga susunod na henerasyon, sana ito iyon: na sa Muntinlupa, pinipili pa rin ang tama kahit mahirap; na ang serbisyo ay hindi minamadali, kundi pinaghuhusayan; at na ang tiwala ng mamamayan ay pinapahalagahan, hindi sinasayang (And if we leave a message for future generations, I hope it is this: that in Muntinlupa, people still choose the right even when it is difficult; that service is not rushed, but improved; and that the trust of the people is valued, not wasted).”
“So the challenge for us today is whether we can continue this development. Will we contribute and work together for the good of the city, or will we drag others down to elevate ourselves for personal gain? In my opinion, more and more people want to advance the development of Muntinlupa and the welfare of the Muntinlupenos, so I am fully confident that our beloved city will continue to progress in the next hundred years,” said Biazon.
He added, “Sa Muntinlupa, pipiliin natin ang katotohanan kahit mahirap. Papahalagahan natin ang tiwala ng mamamayan. At maglilingkod tayo nang may katapatan at kahusayan, araw-araw (In Muntinlupa, we will choose the truth even if it is difficult. We will value the trust of the people. And we will serve with honesty and efficiency, every day).”
“By choosing truth, doing our work well, and being serious in our shared responsibility, we continue to build a city worthy of the future we dream of. Ito ang Muntinlupa—matatag at patuloy na umaangat (This is Muntinlupa—steadfast and constantly rising),” Biazon concluded.