Gov. Erico Aumentado's valedictory speech
Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Honorable Governor of Bohol and outgoing ULAP President Governor Erico B. Aumentado Prestigious executive officials of LMP National Office and LMP Pangasinan Chapter, fellow mayors and colleagues in government Friends, ladies and gentlemen, good morning!
As mentioned by our master of ceremonies, today is an important day not only because of the ULAP turn-over ceremony but because we are celebrating the 16 years of the 1991 local government code.
Sixteen years have passed since the passage of the code, we have seen the great achievements of local leaders who are unrelenting in their desire and commitment to pursue innovations and excellence in governance.
Though mindful of overwhelming difficulties, we are now creating a community of local leaders who are both servant leaders and development managers. Through our persistence and commitment, we have generated a core of “champion” mayors, governors and councillors who adhere in transparent, accountable and participatory governance in a decentralized local government framework.
This clearly indicates that given the right powers and autonomy to govern themselves, local governments can make a difference to raise the quality of local governance in the Philippines.
But the overriding task of local governments today is how they can contribute in nation building while facing challenges of decentralization amidst globalization. Thus, nation building requires the integration of national and local efforts with several layers of stakeholders’ consultation to establish public ownership. It is in this context where the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) can play a very vital role.
As the umbrella organization of all local government associations in the Philippines, ULAP represents the strong desire and the bold aspirations of local governments in the Philippines to really enjoy local autonomy under a decentralized political setting.
While advocating for greater local autonomy, ULAP is also informed that an empowered local government can be the driving force of nation building. The nation draws its strength from the powers of all local governments nationwide that ULAP duly represents.
Cognizant of the enormous responsibility of the position, I am truly humbled and honoured to accept the Presidency of ULAP. It is customary for ULAP to be led by governors. You therefore accord me a great honor, having come from a municipality, to lead an umbrella organization of all local government associations in the Philippines.
The challenge that awaits my leadership in the ULAP is how to make use of the organization to further empower local government so they can be an indispensable driving force of nation-building in support of national development plans and programs.
ULAP is passing the torch of leadership on me. But our collective action will truly elevate ULAP to greater heights. Thus, I strongly urge the support of all my colleagues in ULAP to successfully implement our projects and activities for the betterment of our locality and our nation
Thank you very much for the trust and confidence and may God bless us all!