City of Surigao Celebrates 40^th Charter Day
September 7, 2010

Hon. Ernesto T. Matugas' Charter day message:

“Today, we commemorate Surigao City’s 40^th Charter Day celebration. It is my honor indeed to have been your 7^th City Mayor since we have been proclaimed a chartered city in August 31, 1970. Thank you for trusting me, for supporting me and making me a great part of it.

The theme: “Surigao City in Motion …40 Years of Positive Reforms and Transparent Governance” is indeed a very fitting testament to our strength, our vision, and our commitment as a community and as a people.

In the early history of our city, we were an economically struggling, inward-looking city. We were outshined by the other cities in the area. We lagged behind as we struggled to find our way into our new roles – as the gateway to Mindanao. Forty years after, we find that the fields of opportunities are open for all of us.

We honor all our leaders – our previous Mayors and acknowledge their place in the history and their contributions to the city. They have made an impact on the development of our city and all their efforts have brought us here to the present.

Today, we are faced with challenges like never before. This could be said to be our time… and a time not like that of the past… It is not so much as what happened that is important but what results we want to see in the future out of the this uniquely difficult and situation we are in.

Right before us – is a city faced with problems of urbanization – we are a growing city! The fire incident that hit Brgy. Taft and affected about 388 families are results of unplanned development. We have an increasing population! Housing has become a pressing problem! Yet we have very little budget for social services and we have inherited a huge fiscal deficit. We have also very low not earning as much and we are still paying for our past loans.

The thrust of my administration is towards sustained economic growth. We can become a primary tourist destination if we put all our acts together – however we need to put up very good support infra facilities. We also need to put premium in creating a positive business climate so that tourists and investors will come to Surigao City.

We also have to strengthen our social services. We shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health, social welfare and educational development. We shall also expand our quick action response to a more proactive disaster risk management to serve the best interests of our efforts to provide homes to many homeless families. Most of all, we have to take care of our environment. We have to start with our waste segregation program – and we have to start right in our homes – before we utilized our sanitary landfill.

It is clear to me that amidst all of these – it is essential for all of us to take a look at our own commitments and harness our ability to work together. At the dawn of my Administration, as we embrace measured steps amidst the problems, we must continue to believe in what we can do together. This is the time to strengthen partnership. This is the time to correct mistakes. This is the time to do things right. This is the time for meaningful involvement. This is the time to make a stand. We must all take a stand.

The challenge I issue to all of us this morning as we celebrate our 40th Charter Day Celebration is: What are you willing to stand up for? My encouragement for everyone is – do something and take action about it! I urge all of you to make an impact on our community. Do not wait for City Hall to solve all our problems. You also have the power to contribute and do something. Do public service- do it with your best. Get involved!”