MESSAGE
From a citadel of hundreds of heads of cattle that far outnumbered the people
to a bustling metropolis, we, as a people, have come a long way. Yet through it
all, our youthful exuberance remained, bolstering our aspiration, nay
conviction, to maintain our city’s beaut, while keeping up with the changing
times.
In almost a hundred years since Baguio’s charter, we’ve seen war, conflict,
disaster, and controversy. Yet our city has remained constant, continuously
being infused with new blood from generation to generation of “Baguioans,” who
were so lucky to inherit that love for heritage, for that colorful past, that
other local governments so envy.
But until when? Our city’s sons continue to see avenues for greatness outside
our city walls - lost opportunities for providence of immensity to a city that
captured even the hearts of strangers.
As we approach the Baguio’s hundredth year as chartered city, allow me to
humble myself and declare -- to our locals who chose to stay; our brothers who
elected to become one of us; and to our city’s sons who we so wish could come
back to our city – we cannot, in government, go it alone fulfilling our city’s
vision of success.
The task of determining our city’s most exalted expression entails a combined
effort of government, civil society and other sectors of our community. After
all, it is not the task of government to empower the people; but it is up for
the people to empower themselves. Government is there only to provide avenues
for empowerment.
Thus, as we countdown to 2009, allow me to rally our people to unite towards
the centenary. Together, let us see the light in the dark, the joy in every
frustration, and the victories amidst seeming denouement. And let’s start by
sharing the beauty of our legacy to our kids, renewing friendships, and mending
strained ones.
A hundred years may soon come to pass and there are hundreds more to come. Yet
through it all, our unity of purpose shall lead us to the Baguio that we want –
peaceful, progressive, clean and green.
Mabuhay po tayong lahat!
MAYOR REINALDO A. BAUTISTA, JR.
City Mayor |