Coloma credits Cebuanos’ independent spirit for progress

By Fayette C. Ri�en

Monday 30th of April 2012

CEBU CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- Secretary Sonny Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) said the independent-mindedness of the Cebuanos is a key factor behind the province’s prosperity.

‘Cebuanos are generally known to be expressive and (they) speak their minds out,” said Coloma.

Coloma was in Cebu last week as guest of honor in the 12th ‘Kadaugan sa Mactan’ at the Liberty Shrine in Lapulapu City.

Expressing one’s views on matters of public interests are crucial to the progress of any province because this means the people are involved, according to the PCOO secretary.

He further said that aside from Cebu, there are also other places in the country that display the same independence that contributes to the overall development of the country.

“A crucial key to prosperity is citizen empowerment and this is what the Aquino Administration wants the Filipinos to be – an empowered people,” Coloma declared.

When people are given the avenue to speak out and their thoughts be heard, we are empowering them to get involved and make a difference in this world, said Coloma.

According to Coloma, people empowerment is what President Aquino envisions the Filipinos to be as several government programs are being implemented towards empowering the citizenry.

“President Aquino welcomes intelligent debates on matters of national interests because he wants the people to express their thoughts on issues concerning them and the country,” said Coloma.

In Lapulapu City, Coloma also watched the reenactment of the historic battle between Spanish conqueror Ferdinand Magellan and Cebuano great warrior Lapu-lapu in the island of Mactan, Cebu some 491 years ago.

Coloma in his speech said that the defeat of Magellan whose purpose was to conquer the island of Mactan is proof that Cebuanos and Filipinos in general are brave and noble people that do not allow invaders to conquer their land. (FCR/AS/PIA-CEBU)