Huwebes, Mayo 2, 2013

Civil society group backs Team Oca


CALLING for a change in leadership in Cagayan de Oro City, civil society group Managsilingan Ta has openly expressed its support to the candidacy of Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar “Oca” Moreno and Councilor Edgar Cabanlas as mayor and vice mayor, respectively, including the entire ‘Team Oca.’

Mitos Ortigas, Managsilingan Ta convenor, said that the city “needs a leader who could inspire, mobilize, energize and synergize its people to feel up to the challenge of development.”

The group declared on Wednesday its support to Team Oca and the candidacy of barangay chair Rolando Uy of Barangay Carmen as congressman in the first district.

The endorsement was held a week after Managsilingan Ta endorsed the candidacy of re-electionist Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez (second district).

The multi-group alliance also recommended a set of agenda for the endorsed candidates to fulfill once in office.

Among these: improvement of water system, health program for the poor, increased budget allotment for the J.R. Borja City Hospital, peace and order, environmental preservation and cleanliness, enforcement of traffic rules and regulations, transparency of the city hall, and balanced integrated urban-rural development.

“Managsilingan Ta believes in ‘servant leadership’ that is open to public dialogue, genuinely pro-people, and driven to promote community-development and participatory and transparent governance,” Ortigas added.

Candidates Moreno and Cabanlas are thankful to the group for the said endorsement because it has also inspired them.

Moreno said the decision of the group transcends personal consideration and preference knowing that the endorsement and support for the entire Team Oca is not that easy for the Managsilingan Ta because some of its members also have relatives from other party.

In the same way, Cabanlas also appeals to the group to give him a chance to prove his worth as there are doubts about his credibility because of his past association with Mayor Vicente Emano.

“I won’t make further explanation, hangyo ko lang, hatagi ko og chance (I ask that you give me a chance). Dako ang akong garbo nga inyong gi-endorse (It is my great pride that you have endorsed me), and what is important now is to correct the wrong system in the city government,” he added.

With these, Managsilingan Ta is hoping that the new administration will be working hand in hand with the community in order for them to become effective leaders.