Yt Framework

The former Governor of Isabela Province, Grace Padaca graced the Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s (ADZU) Mabuting EHEMplo Symposium for College and High School students held on October 8.

Padaca said in a press conference yesterday, “I’m very happy to be part of the series ng fora na ginagawa ng ADZU in preparation leading to the centennial of ADZU. This year their focus is citizenship.”

The former governor was invited to talk about good governance and ethical leadership to the students.

Padaca said, “ako ay nainbitahan para magbahagi ng aking nalalaman tungkol sa good governance and ethical leadership at kung paano naman sabayan ito o tugunan ng mga mamayan ang ginagawa ng local government officials na gustong gumawa ng tama. It’s not just leadership but also citizenship.”

The former governor also told the students and parents, “We have a very beautiful country, with a lot of hope, and a lot of potentials. I say that from someone coming from Isabela and visiting Zamboanga City. Parang doon sa norte to the south, marami pang pwedeng mangyari sa ating bansang Pilipinas, kahit totoong maraming salbhe at kurakot sa pamahalaan, kahit sabihin natin 4 Million sila ilan tayo? Around 90 Million yung 85 Million na Pilipino gusto naman natin ng tama at maganda bakit tayo magpapatalo?"

According to Padaca when it comes to good governance, “parang napaka abstract ng good governance but it’s as simple as respecting and implementing the law. There’s no formula, andun na lahat, meron na tayong batas galing sa congreso yung LGU code sundin mo lang kung ano ang nasa batas at gawin mong manual yung batas para you cannot go wrong or do wrong with your citizens.”

Meanwhile, it was Padacas’s first time to visit the City and she was impressed of the city's rich culture. “Mayaman na mayaman sa kultura ang Zamboanga.”

According to Padaca, “naiingit ako sa inyo dahil meron pagkakataong ganito na naprepreseve niyo yung inyong salita. Sana ipreserve talaga kasi kaya tayo nandito ngayon dahil sa ating past. We have survived all this years because we came from a past that was strong. As long as we go back to our history and appreciate our ancestors, preserve what we can sana ito ang maging armas natin hindi yung mga bomba at firearms.”

Padaca also graced the Chavacano Song Festival and the Regatta de Zamboanga which are part of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. The former governor was impressed of the chavacano songs and the colorful vintas.

By R.G. A A. Go