A flag-raising ceremony at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol on Monday, July 21, served as another reminder from Governor Juliette Uy’s new administration for employees to cooperate and embrace the change.
Celso Abocejo, Special Assistant to the Governor, addressed capitol employees directly during the event, urging those hired through political accommodations to accept Governor Uy’s leadership.
“Dawaton na nato ang kamatooran,” Abocejo said, advising employees to be professional and adjust to the new system. “Trabaho ta in the context of professionalism and not in the context of political interest.”
Abocejo described Uy as a “complete package” in terms of governance, adding, “di ninyo sya mailad.”
He pointed out the importance of effective and competent work, especially given the Capitol’s alleged P3.5 billion budget deficit and the poor state of hospital operations, which reportedly lack medicine and suffer from mismanagement.
“I’m not finding fault,” Abocejo clarified, stating that the administration seeks the truth as the foundation for genuine public service. He appealed to department heads for their cooperation.
Abocejo recounted a conversation with Governor Uy where they agreed their “Bangon Misor” tagline aptly describes the province’s current predicament.
According to Abocejo, “nahagba ang Misor.”
He urged capitol employees not to perceive Uy as creating hostility, but rather to view the new administration as family. “Wala dapat magtanga, everybody should contribute.”
Next week, all department heads are scheduled to meet to review the province’s goals and objectives. Abocejo noted that Uy will prioritize health, education, agriculture, investment, and employment opportunities during her first 100 days.
While some view the weekly reminders as fault-finding, an employee from one of the capitol departments, identified only as ‘Mario,’ saw them as a positive.
“To me, dili siya pangasaba, dili pud siya pagmakmak sa mga uban or kaatbang niya nga mga politiko. Sa tinuod lang, tinuod man ang iyang gipangsulti nga medyo napihing gyud ang mga dapat nga basic services para sa katawhan,” Mario said, acknowledging the truth in statements about damaged equipment and hospital facilities.
He believes how people interpret Uy’s weekly reminders is up to them.
However, Mario also expressed hope that the reminders would conclude soon.
“Pero, lugar, unta pud, last nato ka gania ug unta, ang iyaha nang mga konkreto nga mga programs ang iyang ipadayag aron maangkon ang tinuod gyud nga '‘'unity.' Kasaba man kana siya or dili, unta, mag move forwad na pud sa mga programs and projects aron han-ay ang dagan pud,” he said.
