By Jason de Asis
BALER, Aurora, Feb. 19, (PNA) — Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday underscored the importance of unity among political leaders here to enable the province to surmount challenges, move past from its previous setbacks and to take greater heights in terms of progress and development.
In a speech on the occasion of the province’s 36th foundation anniversary and 127th birth anniversary of Dona Aurora Aragon-Quezon at the provincial capitol compound here which was read in his behalf by his aide, lawyer J.V. Bautista, Binay cited that the province – located in a horseshoe-shaped coastal valley overlooking the Pacific Ocean 230 kilometers north of Manila – managed to surmount every crisis through strong unity, persistent hard work, and clear vision.
“You have achieved much, and I know you will be achieving much more, especially with the kind of leadership you are fortunate to have – dedicated, innovative and sincere,” he said, referring to Governor Gerardo Noveras and Vice Governor Rico Teh Angara.
He also said that if the provincial leaders will focus its passion and hard work on one goal which is unity, “then we can build and realize a greater, more developed and prosperous Aurora.”
“Such passion and dreams are important not only because they spur the growth of a locality. They are, in fact, important because they are contagious. They inspire others to dream as well. And then, of course, we can dream and achieve true progress as one nation,” he added.
He said that every Auroran has every reason to be proud and jubilant.
“After all, Aurora, in its 36 years of existence, has come a long way to attain the success and prosperity it is enjoying now,” he said.
He said he expects Aurora to reap more prosperity in the coming years ahead with President Benigno Aquino III’s administration willing to extend a helping hand.
Reflecting on the province’s anniversary rites, the Vice President said people always look forward to fiestas, festivals and other celebrations which are filled with feasting among family and friends.
He recalled that when he was young, he was always overjoyed because each time there was a fiesta, he was with his peers hopping from one house to another to eat.
“I would admit that up to now, I try to continue this tradition. However, people now shake my hands more often so I could no longer eat in fiestas as much as I wanted to,” he said.
He said feasts are not the only ones that give life to these celebrations.
“Let us not forget that more than the objective of these rites, fiestas are important components of peace, unity and progress from diverse culture and faith.
“Festivals, aside from reminding us of our rich and diverse origins, provide the perfect opportunity to foster peace and development through the interaction of the various culture groups in a community,” he added. (PNA)