(Message of Gov. Joseph C. Cua to officers and troops of the 9th Infantry Division during full military honors given him at Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur, last Feb. 2, 2011).
I feel speechless and overwhelmed by this conferral of honor. I have only seen this kind of ceremony during my school days. I never expected that someday, I shall be the object of its magnanimity. This is something my family and I shall cherish, perhaps, even for a lifetime. Because this event today does not only bring prestige but, and I’d like to think of it, as the recognition of my efforts as a provincial executive.
Now, I know that the most profound reward for a public servant is not the plaque or certificates of appreciation which he receives. More than that, the accolade is given to make me feel special. It is so much like the star or garter or any distinction that may be conferred upon me because I deserve it. I is something, I know, that money cannot buy. Its value is priceless.
My labours as a governor is never for the press and the media to blow up and sugarcoat. It is meant for my constituent to see, feel and be proud of. Maybe in a year or two, when you visit my province, you will notice the change in its skyline. You may even experience how our people would change because, by then, they would have embraced progressive thinking. They may even have a new regard for me in steering the way for greater and more beneficial public service. They would have learned by then the nobility of my intentions.
Your brothers at your camp in Lictin, San Andres, and in other municipalities in Catanduanes can never claim that the unwritten covenant between us is a one-way affair. They are there, as of today, living testimonies of common efforts to preserve the peace and harmony among our people and your units. While you protect our shores and safeguard our constituents, we never turn our back from the needs we can share and the cooperation that you extend.
Sa palagay ko po naman ay hindi kami nagkulang sa magandang kapatiran at samahan para na rin sa lahat. Kaunti man o sapat, alam ko, mauunawaan din ninyo ang mga maliit na pagkukulang. Ang nais ko lamang pong iparating sainyo: Sana po lumawig ang magandang pagsasama ng mga sundalo ninyo at mga tao namin sa isla.
What I see as common in the military leadership among you here, and the civilian style of administration in my province is that both are dispensed by men linked by a time-tested tie, one forged by masons who have established empires and nations, and directed to their subordinates without fear or favor because we are all brothers.
It is in this spirit that I extend to you my gratitude for this rare and distinct chance for your accolade.
Thank you.
Sulong Catandungan!
(script from catanduanes tribune... Thanks!)
