Newly elected and appointed officers of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines were sworn in Tuesday by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, telling the local leaders to help him fight corruption in government and other social concerns.
In his speech, President Duterte congratulated the officials for taking on the gargantuan task and challenges that come with public service.
“Let us take this occasion as an opportunity to be reminded that our noble duty as public servants is to serve our constituents with the highest degree of integrity, honesty, and good faith,” the President told the new officials.
“I am hopeful that as you take the helm of your organization, you will not just uphold good governance, transparency, and accountability, but also embody responsive leadership in effecting changes for local and national development.”
The administration acknowledged the organization’s contributions to nation-building by striving to align its respective provincial legislative agenda with the goals for national development, according to the President.
And as heads of their respective provincial boards, the vice governors are in a unique position to make developments possible.
“I therefore take this opportunity to ask each of you to advance local policies that will promote social justice, protect our environment, conserve our natural resources, ensure food security, and espouse reforms that redound to the benefit of your constituencies,” the President told the local officials.
The Chief Executive reiterated that for the administration, the welfare of the people and the improvement of their lives are of utmost importance.
He rallied the support of vice governors to become instrumental in making provincial governments more responsive to the needs of the people.
Also, local governments must be a partner of the national government in its efforts to intensify fight against illegal drugs, criminality, bureaucratic red tape, terrorism, and corruption, the President said.
Also present Tuesday were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Presidential Spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo. PND
