BACOLOD CITY, (PNA) — Members of the Philippine Councilors League who gathered in this city for a three-day convention were enjoined by Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Mayor Monico Puentevella to become better public servants.
The PCL national convention, attended by more than 2,000 councilors at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel, officially ended Saturday.
In his message read by Fifth District Board Member Alain Gatuslao during a fellowship and culmination program Friday night, Marañon said the PCL must stand up for the call to be transparent and be vigorous in achieving what is best for their people whom they have pledged to serve.
The governor added that considering the issues of graft and corruption, government officials might be faced with the challenge of proving that they are there for the service of their fellowmen, not for the attainment of personal ambitions.
“We in the Province of Negros Occidental believe that we are all here today because we have the sincerity, dedication, and commitment to render genuine and honest public service with transparent governance,” he said.
For his part, Puentevella also urged the councilors not to be guided by ambition as they tread their career path in partisan politics, and if they decide to seek higher office.
The Bacolod mayor also called on the PCL members to pray for peace in Zamboanga City whose councilors were unable to attend the national convention here.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. also thanked the councilor-delegates for taking part in the Third Quarterly National Executive Officers and National Board Meeting, and the Continuing Local Legislative Education Program.
He acknowleged his fellow Bacolod councilors, government agencies, sponsors, and the Bacolodnons for their assistance in making the city’s hosting of the PCL convention very successful.
Gamboa said that during the convention, the PCL presented city and municipal best practices towards the end of formulating the best laws in local governments.