ItsMyOwn: iWalk for Peace

ItsMyOwn: iWalk for Peace:       iWalk for Peace , a project of the Rotary International, organized by  Rotary Club of Cotabato , Cotabato East  and  Cotabato City...

iWalk for Peace

     

iWalk for Peace, a project of the Rotary International, organized by Rotary Club of Cotabato,Cotabato East and Cotabato City-South in partnership with the City Government of Cotabato, held July 01, 2012.

             

                        5 starting area points were identified

                             1. City Plaza

                             2. In front of the Polytechnic School

                             3. In front of Papa 2 – Police Station (Shell Station)

                             4. Jolibee Drive-thru and;

                             5. In front of Marian Hills Cemetery (D.O.S, Maguindanao).

Father Eliseo Mercado, a well-known peace advocate were among of the thousands walkers from the different sectors in the City and nearby Towns/Province joined the said walk for peace.

            

            

            

Peoples Palace Grounds served as the “finished area”. A simple program were conducted. Presidents of each Chapter delivered/shared their messages “calling for Peace”.

            

Highlights of the activity were the flying of Doves and Balloons as a symbol of Peace.

            

            

MAYOR Japal "Jojo" J. Guiani, Jr. - Welcome Address

Mayor Guiani, delivering his welcome address to the partcipants of the 38th Regional Development Council 12 held last June 26, 2012 at Southseas Mall - Cotabato City.

Hon. DARLENE MAGNOLIA R. ANTONINO-CUSTODIO 

 Chairperson of the Regional Development Council 12;

• Hon. RAMON FLORESTA, Co-Chairperson of RDC-12;
• Hon. Gov. EMMYLOU MENDOZA of Cotabato Province;
• Hon. Governor MIGUEL RENE DOMINGUEZ of Sarangani
• Hon. Gov. SUHARTO MANGUDADATU of Sultan Kudarat;
• Hon. Governor ARTHUR PINGOY, JR. of South Cotabato;
• Hon. Mayor RODOLFO Y. GANTUANGCO of Kidapawan City;
• Hon. Mayor PETER MIGUEL of Koronadal City;
• Hon. Mayor LINA MONTILLA of Tacurong City;
• Representatives from the NEDA National Office 
• Heads of the various national line agencies
• Representatives from the private sector
• Guests, ladies and gentlemen….

Good morning and welcome to Cotabato City!

It is indeed a great privilege for us to host the 38th Regular Meeting of the Regional Development Council 12.

As I welcome you to our city, may I take this opportunity to present our Pillars of Development for Cotabato City.

Foremost of which is transparency and accountability in governance thru wider participation of the private sector and other civil society organizations.

This has resulted in a balanced budgeting and increased revenue collection.

A clear manifestation of this is our city being elevated to a first class city category from being a third class city two years ago.

Moreover, the City of Cotabato was accorded the Seal of Good Housekeeping by the DILG and is a recipient of the Performance Challenge Fund.

Another major pillar of development is on health and medical care services.

In support to this, we increased the number of our medical doctors. We also released the additional allowance to our health workers, as provided for under the Magna Carta for Health Workers.

Likewise, we purchased additional medical equipment and a brand new ambulance.

By the way, we are also contemplating on putting up a so-called “Health and Wellness Complex” at the former site of the Cotabato Public Hospital at the PC Hill area.

This complex will, basically, be a complete hospital and rehabilitation facility. It is a socialized medical center wherein those who cannot afford to pay will be subsidized by the city government, while those who can pay will be billed accordingly.

Our third pillar of development is on the aspect of environmental protection and sanitation.

We are all aware of the importance of protecting and preserving our environment, and at the same time promoting good sanitation.

That is why we are strongly pursuing our Solid Waste Management Program, advocacy for organic agriculture and the adaption of “Green Technology.”

Our fourth pillar of development is on the maintenance of peace and order and the upholding of law and order.

Along this line, we have installed closed-circuit television cameras in crime-prone area of the city. Before the end of the year, we will be installing 24 additional CCTV surveillance cameras.

We are contemplating on having all nooks and crannies of the city covered with CCTV security surveillance cameras by 2013.

Finally, our fifth pillar of development is on the aspect of infrastructure support services and facilities.

Along this line, we have started to embark on a massive construction of the much-needed facilities and services in order to attract more investments.

We know that there is still a long way to go before we can be classified as a highly-urbanized city. But we are confident that we can attain it.

I have full confidence on the resilience and determination of the Cotabateños.

Walang imposible kung lahat tayo – Muslim, Kristiano at Lumad – ay magtulong-tulong upang makamit natin ang ating minimithing kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa ating bayan.

Thank you very much and wassalam!