Three celebrations kick off today in Eastern Visayas

By Leonilo D. Lopido

Monday 3rd of September 2012

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept 3 (PIA) -- A joint celebration for the 112th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, 18th National Crime Prevention Week, and Tourism Week kicked off today, September 3, in Eastern Visayas .

The kickoff started with an early morning “Integrity Walk,” which was participated by employees from the public and private sectors, students, barangay officials, and other stakeholders who converged at the Balyuan area and proceeded to the Tacloban City Convention Center for the program.

The theme of the three celebrations are “Kawani, Ikaw ay Lingkod Bayani,” “Sa Crime Prevention, May Magagawa Ako,” and “Tourism and Sustainable Energy: An Empowering Sustainable Development,” respectively.

In his keynote message, Tacloban City Alfred S. Romualdez said that, as public servant, the “Panunumpa sa Watawat” and “Panunumpa ng Lingkod Bayan,” which were recited during the program, be always put into action.

He said the agenda is only to serve the people, emphasizing the importance of a healthy relationship of working together as every agency is interconnected when it comes to serving the public.

Marilyn E. Taldo, OIC director of the Civil Service Commission, said commitment for a dedicated public servant and delivery of better public service was proven with the convergence of the different agencies for the said occasion.

DILG-8 Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. called on the support of the public in maintaining peace and order and not depend solely to the law enforcers in fighting crimes.

“It is us who will do it,” he said.

On the part of the Department of Tourism, Director Karina Rosa S. Tiopes also encouraged participants and other stakeholders to do their share in maintaining a clean community and preserving our heritage and culture.

“Tourism is everybody’s concern,” she said.

Other activities conducted during the kickoff program include the demonstration of the “Pito Laban sa Krimen (whistle blowing against crime)” and Community Singing for the “Awit ng Serbisyo Sibil.”

Heads of the different government agencies, who were also present during the event were DBM-8 director and REAL president Imelda C. Laceras, NAPOLCOM-8 director Nicomedez E. Jose, PNP-8 director Elmer R. Soria, BJMP-8 regional Chaplain Fr. Nentor R. Caber, Parole and Probation-8 director Arturo O. Gabieles, among others. (PIA-8)