THE City Government of Mati acknowledged anew four former mayors through the annual Pasidungog dubbed as Pag-Kila on October 27 at Mati Honey’s Hotel.
On its 3rd year, the city paid tribute and honor to its past leaders namely Inocentes Marundan (elected mayor 1934-1937); Primitivo Gambong (1937-1940); Tomas Rodriguez (1940-1946); and Santiago P. Garcia (1946-1955).
Mati City Vice Mayor Glenda Rabat-Gayta said in her speech that the event aims to give recognition to past leaders and their contributions to the development and progress of the city.
“We, the new generation of leaders will commit ourselves to continue the good work they have started so that all their efforts and sacrifices will not be in vain,” the vice mayor, who was the brainchild of the project said.
For three years, the city recognized 12 past mayors through Pasidungog – Pagkila.
Pasidungog was a concept, forming part of the Ikaw Ang Bida sub-program under its umbrella platform: The Barangay Integration for Development and Action (BIDA) Program.
Mayor Carlo Rabat, for his part, emphasized in his speech that the event adds to another highlight of this year’s Sambuokan festivities. Sambuokan Festival was staged from October 25 – 28, 2018.
“Apart from coming together to pay tribute to our rich culture and tribes, we also honor the families and people who descended from these leaders and officials in remembering the founding of Mati,” Rabat said.