By Cris G. Odronia, Manila Times
GOOD governance and regaining the trust of the public in the government are the biggest achievements of President Benigno Aquino 3rd in his first year in office, Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office said on Wednesday.
President Aquino will mark his first year in office today by launching the “Pilipinas Natin” (Our Philippines) campaign, which aims to mobilize Filipinos to become active participants in nation-building.
“Change was the clarion call of the people,” Coloma said during a Palace briefing, adding that the President reaffirmed this during the Edsa celebration with the theme, “Pilipino Ako, Ako ang Lakas ng Pagbabago” (I am a Filipino, I am the Force for Change).”
Mr. Aquino, who campaigned on the platform of change and transparency, was elected as the fifteenth President of the Republic of the Philippines with the highest mandate in the country’s history.
“We have moved forward toward the direction that (the President) has set for the country,” Coloma said.
“I think it is in setting forth a new governance, good governance characterized by integrity, honesty, transparency and accountability. Ito po ang nagpanumbalik sa pagtitiwala ng ating mga mamamayan (These characteristics won back the people’s trust in the government),” he added.
During the launch of Pilipinas Natin, Mr. Aquino will renew his call on the people to actively take part in nation- building.
The kick-off will be held at the Philippine Sports Arena in Pasig City (Metro Manila) at 1 p.m.
Malacañang is inviting all sectors of Philippine society to join the Aquino administration in the launch of the campaign. At least 8,000 youth leaders and multi-sectoral volunteers are expected to attend the event.
When asked if Mr. Aquino will offer reconciliation tohis political rivals, Coloma said, “Ang importante pong prinsipyo diyan ay iyong reconciliation with justice (What is important is reconciliation with justice).”
“Wala naman pong agenda ang ating Pangulo o ang ating administrasyon na makipag-away, makipagtunggali at makipagpalitan ng batikos sa mga tao (Our President or his administration has no agenda to pick fights, compete or trade barbs with people),” the secretary told the Palace briefing.
