Senator Francis Tolentino commended Sagay City for its continuous efforts on environmental protection that other local government units should emulate.
Sagay placed second in the Top 100 Green Destinations Story Awards, under the Nature and Scenery category, for its Sagay Marine Reserve and Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-park, during the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) 2023 Convention in Messe Berlin, Germany, March 8.
Tolentino, who was the guest of honor and speaker at the Sinigayan Festival opening at the public plaza on Wednesday, March 15, said that the city is blessed as it has surmounted every challenge, and has advocated so much for the protection of the environment.
“The international awards given to Sagay should serve as a lesson and we should pass it on to the next generation,” the senator said.
Meanwhile, the opening program kicked off with the parade of government officials and employees, barangay representatives, nongovernment and civil services organizations, and national government agencies, from Sagay National High School to the plaza, and featured floats with themes about environment conservation.
Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr. said the festival’s theme, “We Listen…We Act Together”, calls for being mindful and sensitive to the needs of our people especially the poor, the oppressed, and those in the hemline of our society.
“As government leaders, we need to go out of our comfort zone, talk to the people in our communities and listen to their stories, their problems, and their urgent needs that must be acted upon promptly,” Javelosa said.
Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, in his speech, said that the past two years were challenging for Sagaynons but in those difficult times, they have seen the best in their community.
“We have seen people come together to support each other, help those in need, and keep our city safe. So, let us come together today and in the days ahead, to listen and act, to build a better Sagay and a brighter future for all of its people,” Marañon said.
Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva also said that the award given to Sagay recently set a challenge for the City to create more programs and more sustainable opportunities for communities while advocating for the preservation and conservation of the environment.
After the opening ceremonies, Tolentino and the city officials also led the opening of the festival villages “Bugay-Sagay Agro-Aqua Festival Village”, “Dagway Sagay Arts and Culture Festival Village”, “Taliambong Food Festival Village”, and the “Livestock and Poultry Fair & Exhibits”. ||
