NEW Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has vowed for a better Baguio during turnover ceremonies at the City Hall.
“If every leader aspires for a better baguio – tuloy tuloy yan, walang inggitan, intrigahan walang siraan, then I believe we will be able to have the Baguio that we want,” he said in his acceptance speech.
He urged his fellow public servants to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons.
“Let us be the change that we want in our government; and thirdly, our attitude not our aptitude will determine our altitude, I urge you to follow my lead. Make humility in service the norm, not the exception. Be mindful and respectful of others,” he added.
The retired general asked government workers to never lose grip of the core principles of good governance.
“Put the needs of others above our own. Value humility instead of authority, truth instead of falsehood, grace instead of demands. Bear in mind that the future of our city gravitates in part around us,” he said.
Magalong said a synergy with the City Council is envisioned as well as with the office of Baguio Representative Mark Go, saying he has met with all of them weeks ago and all agreed to move in one direction for the city.
“We need the councilors, if they see that you are sincere, they see that you are transparent that they are not being blindsided I see no reason why they have to be a hindrance, they will always be our partners,” he added.
Magalong said his track record and service reputation is marked with sacrifice.
“I was a public servant that persevered and thrived for adversity. I was able to transform myself, transformation that happened through sacrifice, humility, and daily prayers. Sacrifice became a constant theme in my career; my strong foundation of humility brought me to where I am now. Humility made me stay on top and it was humility in service that made me stay at the bottom. With humility, I readily gave up so much of myself,” Magalong said.
Magalong also acknowledged his predecessor, outgoing Mayor Mauricio Domogan.
“Manong Morris has left a strong and unprecedented legacy. Under his stewardship, Baguio was a recipient of many awards in the field of good governance and environmental protection, to name a few. His dynamism and competence is worthy of emulation. I remember his words during his tribute when he said, the new Mayor must surpass his achievements for a better Baguio. To live up to that challenge, I have to work hard...really hard. Verily, a big shoe to fill. But this I have to say, I will never fail you and the people of Baguio,” he vowed. (With reports from Aira Quiliza/UC Intern)