ILOILO CITY (PIA) — Various perspectives on the integration of Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge in the conduct of weekly flag ceremonies were conveyed among local government officials and national government agencies in Western Visayas.
This came after Malacañang issued a memo directing all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) and educational institutions to practice the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge during flag ceremonies.
In the province of Antique, District Representative Antonio Agapito Legarda Jr. emphasized the move as a way to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and nationalism, particularly, among the youth.
“Siguro, itong paraan na ito kahit papaano it can build it again, promote it again and as I said I will always be open in any form just to promote our nationalism and patriotism to all our students,” Legarda said.
(This is maybe the way to somehow build again, promote again, and as I said I will always be open in any form just to promote our nationalism and patriotism to all our students.)
Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr. of Iloilo province further welcomed the crusade, noting that it is a direction setting to rally the people in support of the administration.
“The administration is trying to rally our people kay may programa ang administrasyon kag may direction,” Defensor conveyed.
(The administration is trying to rally our people because this administration has a program and a direction.)
Defensor also cited that the provincial government’s mantra known as MoRPRoGRes (Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient) complements the Bagong Pilipinas in terms of the holistic approach towards development.
The Iloilo City Government, on the other hand, has designated the City Government Chorale to practice the hymn so they can lead in singing it.
“We, the Ilonggos, are proud Filipinos. We rise as one nation to propel our country to greater heights, ” City Mayor Jerry Treñas said, adding that Filipinos ought to serve the country with pride.
Nueva Valencia, Guimaras Mayor Paul Vincent De la Cruz, meantime, has ordered the department heads to comply with the hymn and pledge recital during flag ceremonies.
For Mayor Frolibar Bautista of Malay town in Aklan, the Bagong Pilipinas pledge echoed unity and dedication of the Filipinos’ skill and intelligence in pursuit of the country’s progress.
“Ang panata sa BP ay paghahamon rin sa bawat mamamayang Pilipino na maging instrumento sa pagsulong ng kagalingan, karunungan at kapayapaan. Ito rin ay nagsusulong sa pagkakaisa at pakikilahok ng bawat Pilipino sa mga adhikain ng pamahalaan,” Bautista said in an interview.
(The Bagong Pilipinas pledge is also a challenge for every Filipino to become an instrument to push the talents, skills and peace. This is also to forward unity and citizen participation in the the aspirations of the government.)
According to Antique Sangguniang Bayan Member Joker Pacificador, it is high time to support the new directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in his vision for a Bagong Pilipinas.
Meanwhile, Department of Tourism (DOT)-Western Visayas regional director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez shared that the hymn and pledge marks an oath of allegiance to the country and the Filipinos.
Human Resource Management Officer Jessica Ignacio in Nabas town in Aklan likewise reflected on one’s love for the country through the recital of the pledge.
“Napakasarap sa puso at damdamin habang binibigkas ang panunumpa sa Bagong Pilipinas sapagkat’t bawat salita ay talagang nagpakita at nagparamdan ng pagmamahal sa ating bayan kasi mas pinaigting pa ang ating commitment para sa mas ikakaunlad ng bayan at tawaging Bagong Pilipinas,” Ignacio added.
(It feels great to be able to recite the Bagong Pilipinas pledge since every word shows and depicts love for country that really strengthens our resolve to commit to progress and be called Bagong Pilipinas.)
National Anti- Poverty Commission-6 Sectoral Council Member Della Leonor as well called on all the Filipinos to join hands and tell the world that “we have a better Philippines ahead.”
Leonor, based in Roxas City, represents the Persons with Disability in the council.
“It is a wonderful hymn but must also be put into action especially among local governments,” Leonor said.
Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Roxas City Public Information Officer Maribeth Baldonado, for her part, noted that the recital of the Bagong Pilipinas Pledge and Hymn symbolizes a bold advocacy campaign on the political and governance landscape of the present administration.
As frontliner in delivering public safety services, Iloilo City Police Office Spokesperson Major Shella Mae Sangrines expressed her support in the directive of Malacañang, believing in the principles of the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance.
Under the present administration, Bagong Pilipinas was launched as the brand of governance and leadership, directing all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including Government- Owned or -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) to be guided by Bagong Pilipinas principles.
“Bagong Pilipinas is characterized by a principled, accountable and dependable government, reinforced by unified institutions of society,” according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
It further envisions to empower Filipinos to support and partake in all government efforts in a comprehensive plan towards deep and essential social and economic transformation in all sectors of society and government. (AAL/LMLE/PIA Iloilo)
