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Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Zubiri takes oath as 12th senator in Bukidnon
By Inday Emeterio
MALAYBALAY CITY -- Former Bukidnon congressman Juan Miguel Zubiri took his oath of office Monday in front of his province-mates at the Provincial Capitol grounds in this city.
Executive Judge Josefina Bacal of the Malaybalay Regional Trial Court (RTC) with Bukidnon elders headed by former vice governor Esmeraldo Cudal administered the oath taking.
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Zubiri's wife Audrey, who was with him in campaign sorties, was at his side holding the microphone in Monday's activity.
Leaders of Bukidnon's seven tribes headed by former congressman Lorenzo Dinglayan Sr. and Muslim Ulama leaders were also present during Zubiri's oath- taking ceremony.
Zubiri's father, Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, proudly watched his son took his oath as senator while the senator's elder brother, newly elected Congressman Jose "Joey" Zubiri III, hugged him right after the ceremonies.
Absent at the oath-taking rites that ended almost 2 p.m., was Zubiri's mother Vicky who together with Zubiri's sisters are in the US for a routine medical check-up.
"But I know she is happy now that her son took his oath of office as the 12th Senator of the Philippines," Governor Zubiri said in his introduction speech.
Mindanao summit
Local elected officials from the 20 municipalities and two cities of Bukidnon attended the oath-taking ceremonies.
A thanksgiving mass was officiated by Malaybalay City Parish Priest Virgilio Delfin.
In his inaugural address, Zubiri called on the political opposition to set aside politics and worked for the common good of the Filipino people.
Zubiri said he will initiate a Mindanao summit where all Mindanao leaders, Muslim ulamas, lumad (tribal) leaders, and interfaith groups can gather together to discuss what is good for Mindanao and the solution of its woes.
"The development of Mindanao means the development of the whole country," Zubiri said.
Zubiri said there is need for all political leaders in Mindanao to sit down together and discuss the formation of alliances.
He said the success of Bukidnon's indigenous health program could be duplicated all over the country particularly in other Mindanao areas.
Zubiri cited Bukidnon's successful good governance programs where local officials get no say in selecting contractors thereby maximizing use of limited government resources for the benefit of the general public.
'Senator from Maguindanao'
Zubiri said he will focus on strengthening Mindanao alliances that will enhance programs on job generations.
Other programs he promised include the creation of more post-harvest facilities to benefit farmers and giving a boost to public health care programs.
Zubiri also cited the need to construct public schools and nurseries in remote rural areas and use indigenous source of reusable energy for the energization program.
"It is sad that only 18 percent of the national budget is allotted yearly to Mindanao while it contributes 40 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)," Zubiri added.
"But Mindanao can help more in the country's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) by 60 percent if only its potentials are fully developed," he said.
In a press conference held at a local hotel here, Zubiri evaded questions from newsmen regarding Black and White accusations that he was the beneficiary of Commission on Elections (Comelec) official Lintang Bedol's "operations" in Maguindanao.
Previously, the senator said he would also be known as "the senator from Maguindanao" in light of the controversial 12-0 win of Team Unity in that province that made possible his victory. (With reports from Stephen Capillas, Ben Serrano, and Bong Torres)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Baguio. (July 17, 2007 issue)
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