BACOLOD City – Top three incumbent officials of this city have failed to attend Wednesday’s 121st Philippine Independence Day celebration.
Councilor Em Ang, who was present in the event, said Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and Cong. Greg Gasataya were not able to attend due to official travels.
“The three top elected officials lead the annual celebration as leaders of the local government unit, but if there are more pressing concerns, they also need to attend to those,” Ang explained.
She added Gasataya was in Manila and led Bacolod’s team for the opening of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. Leonardia, on the other hand, has a prior commitment out of town, according to the city government’s Public Information Office.
Familiaran meanwhile told Panay News he was currently attending the Manila National Executive Board meeting of Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines.
Atty. Ivin Ronald Alzona, assistant secretary for Management and Operations of the Department of Information Communication and Technology, graced the activity as this year’s guest speaker.
“This year’s Independence Day Theme, “Pagbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan”, aptly reflects how the City of Bacolod has embraced the constantly ever-changing times,” Alzona stated during his speech.
He also commended the city government for sustaining a healthy, vibrant and innovative Information Communication Technology industry.
“We shall not stop in supporting Bacolod City until the time comes that we can say no one is left behind,” said Alzona.
Other officials who attended the celebration were members the Sangguniang Panglungsod, city administrator John Orola, city hall employees, personnel of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Department of Education./PN
