Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Manuel A. Roxas II enthusiastically reciprocated the warm welcome of the thousands of people in attendance at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center in Dipolog City as the guest of honor of the 62nd Founding Anniversary and First Saulog Festival of Zamboanga del Norte on May 30, 2014.
“Growing up is mandatory but getting old is a choice” SILG Roxas shared this quote to the jam-packed arena with the presence of Governor Roberto Y. Uy, Vice-Governor Senen O. Angeles, District Representatives, other elected officials and members of the DILG family – BJMP, BFP, PNP and DILG-LG sectors.
In his message he said that he was happy to witness that despite the age of Zamboanga del Norte, the youthful energy of the people reflects that the province is on the right track. He also expressed his thanks to the “Zanortehanons” for radiating eagerness that is vital in moving forward.
Sec. Roxas also emphasized that the national government is augmenting the local resources thru the grassroots participatory budgetary process projects which amounted to 447 Million allocated for the province.
He also informed the public that he has just conferred to Governor Roberto Y. Uy the appointment as Chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council IX (RPOC-IX) which was signed by His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III .
On the other hand, he also delivered a message to the participants of the Agri-tourism Industry Forum dubbed as Nego-tour 2014 at Top Plaza Hotel as part of the activities of the Saulog Festival.
Among his other engagements, He also interfaced with the local chief executives and members of the DILG family to afford them time to air their issues and concerns.
The one week celebration of the Founding Anniversary is highlighted thru its first Saulog Festival capped with different agri, sports and civic activities.