CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- When Governor Eddie Panlilio blows the candles on his birthday cake Saturday, he wishes for three important things to God -- unity in the province, peace among opposing parties and prosperity for the Kapampangans.

The priest-governor turns 55 today, Saturday.

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He said on the occasion of his "second birthday in office," he is praying that God will unite once more the various sectors of the province, both those against him and his supporters, so the province can move ahead with its development programs and the delivery of basic services to the people.

Despite the accusations hurled at him, Panlilio said that as "the only governor who divided the province both politically and socially," he is doing his best to "mend the wounds of the past."

According to him, he will focus on addressing the needs of the Kapampangan as they have mandated him.

He added that his attendance of the Provincial Board's Wednesday session, which yielded positive results for the capitol's educational assistance program, could very well be the start of his quest for unity among leaders and civil society groups since everyone saw it was for the good of the province.

"Through this, I wish it could then lead to peace and harmony among us in the executive and the legislative, as well as those from the local government units so we can truly work together with our constituents in mind. In so doing, we could altogether bring prosperity to the people of Pampanga, especially those in dire need of government assistance," Panlilio told Sun.Star Pampanga.

"I also wish for a true God-centered governance to rule his administration. Deep in my heart, it has been my honest longing to deliver the Crusade's aspirations for good governance, transparency and responsible citizenship. Despite of what transpired the past year and the many problems that had besieged my term, I am working very hard to pursue those advocacies," he added.

Asked about how he would compare his 55th natal day with that of the "less embattled 54th," he said: "I thrive on problems."

"But those problems I've gone through and the trials I am in right now had just made me more committed to perform my duties as a servant of the people and God," Panlilo said.

He added that he has so much to thank the people of Pampanga for and even his critics and detractors for the many challenges that have time and again been laid before his administration.

"Honestly, I have so many wishes in my mind on my 55th birthday. I would want to have more time with my family, hold more talks and dialogues with groups and co-workers and maybe find some moments to play tennis again. But these may have to take the back seat as I really pray we leaders of the province could get together and work hand in hand for the sake of the poor," he said.

For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Zamboanga.

(December 6, 2008 issue)
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