September 11, 2022
Assalamualaikum.
Malipayong pagsaulog sa inyong ika-singkwenta ka anibersaryo — Siquijor!!!
Ang inyong kasadya nga naglanog-lanog karon sa tibuok isla usa ka pamatuod sa inyong panaghiusa isip katawhan nga gipadasig sa mga pangandoy ug mga damgo nga dungan ninyong gipanday alang sa inyong mga kaugalingon ug alang sa inyong minahal nga munisipalidad.
Usa kini ka mahinungdanon nga adlaw. Og dako ang akong kalipay nga tungod sa inyong imbitasyon, nakaabot ako dinhi karon sa inyong matahom nga isla — ug nakigduyog sa inyong kasadya.
Gapasalamat ko kay Mayor Richard Quezon sa imbitasyon ug sa paghiusa niining selebrasyon aron atong handumon ang mga paningkamot sa mga Siquijodnon sa pagpalambo sa inyong isla.
Today marks a new beginning for Siquijor and its people, a beginning marked by a great sense of optimism for a future that is stable and strong, nurtured and fortified by the lessons of the past 50 years.
At a glance, life in Siquijor appears slow and easy and has an endless connection to the natural beauty and the island's mystique that brings serenity to the soul and healing to a wounded heart.
But the other face of the island bursts a different life that flows through the potentials of Siquijor. The daily arrivals and departures of ferries symbolize the openness of Siquijor and the Siquijodnons embrace of progress.
Deep in the long history of the people and the island, your forebears instilled a sense of strong character and purpose of what it means to keep the image of Siquijor even as we all navigate through the demands of the modern time
Through the Covid-19 pandemic and the devastations brought by Typhoon Odette, the people of Siquijor showed vigor and stood up to keep the culture, the traditions and faith of the people, the quiet and peace, and the magic of the island alive.
As the economy reopens, it is also high time to string together these potentials and bring them to the frontier of the progress of the island that is pulsing with the dynamism of its people.
Tourism remains one of your strengths. I hope tourism will create waves and waves of growth post-pandemic — benefiting everyone on the island.
But let me emphasize this— everyone is your most valued strength. With everyone around each other, the possibilities are boundless. And the changes that we can make are enormous.
With the local government unit’s efforts to provide the people excellent public service, I am confident that you will be able to scale up the local economy into a resplendent, premium investment destination in this part of the Visayas.
The people of Siquijor should rally behind each other and support its government for the Island of Siquijor to reach its potentials and implement the plans and programs effectively and successfully.
Both the local government and the people should trust each other and together create a better life on the island.
To achieve this vision, we must create spaces and opportunities for our people — allowing them to become productive citizens and partners in building our nation.
With this important task and the government's continued initiatives, no Siquijodnon will be left behind.
And with this— no island, like Siquijor, will only beacon because of its charm that mystify the curiosity of the uninitiated or the imagination of the curious.
Our leaders and government partners are taking full responsibility that the developmental trajectory we have embarked on in the new administration will be witnessed, participated in, experienced, and relished by Siquijodnons, and make sure that we are effectively investing in their aspirations, skills, and economic activities.
We are counting on the devoted hands of Siquijodnons. It's a gift that protects the integrity of the island, and the identity of its people.
You are all participants in the developmental endeavors your leaders have set for your beloved home. Truly united, we can collectively reach the progress destined for Siqujor — as abundant and blessed as the dreams of Siquijodnons.
Again, happy 50th. Padayon pag-uswag, Siquijor.
Shukran. Daghang salamat.