KABANKALAN City Mayor Isidro Zayco here said on Sunday, January 20, he is grateful to Sr. Sto. Niño for blessing the city with a lot of progress and development.
He also thanked the people who celebrated with them through the 43rd Sinulog Festival in honor of Sr. Sto. Niño.
Zayco will retire from public office on June 30 after serving the public in various capacities.
He served the province for 13 years as board member, vice governor, and governor, and 18 years as mayor of Kabankalan.
He said public service is very challenging and very exhausting.
“As mayor of this city, the people of Kabankalan knew already the kind of progress and development that we brought in my 18 years as mayor of this city. Our city is peaceful. This is one thing that I am very thankful to God Almighty, for guiding me and continuously blessing our city. Progress and development is a continuing process and we will give our new leaders the chance to continue what we have done when they assume the post on June 30," he said.
"Nothing lasts forever. The most important thing is that we’re instrumental in making a difference in the lives of our people and that great things will surely last forever," he said.
"If others need my help, I will still help to the best I can. No more politics for me. I will spend my remaining years enjoying my private life," he added.
He thanked the Blessed Sr. Sto. Niño, the patron saint of their city, for all the blessings and graces he bestowed upon the city and its people.
The Sinulog Festival is in honor of Sr. Sto. Niño.
"I am very thankful to our the visitors and our people and those who participated in our festival...Our festival became very successful because of the collaborative efforts of all the sectors in our city,” Sixth District Representative Mercedes Alvarez said.
For his part, Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson congratulated the people of Kabankalan on the celebration of their 43rd Sinulog Festival.
"Sinulog Festival is the start of the many festivals in our province and so many people always look forward to this event and I am very fortunate to be invited. I wish the people of Kabankalan a successful year. I do hope that you will continue to support your administration in furthering the progress here in Kabankalan," he said.
Meanwhile, Sinulog Festival Queen Erica Cortez said she is very honored to serve as the Ambassadress of goodwill of Kabankalan City.
“It was my first crown after two years of joining a beauty pageant. I am honored with this title. I am overwhelmed but very grateful for this. I promise to fulfill my duties and responsibilities as the 2019 Sinulog Festival queen," she said.