Capitol unveils its new symbol of progress for Cebuanos

Cebu Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera explains that the two human-like figures installed at the Capitol grounds with the slogan “Kalambuan sa Matag Sugbuanon” symbolizes the effort of working for progress as everybody’s duty and not the exclusive job of the governor. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Two human-like figures, yellow and blue, connected by their hands, stand in front of the Capitol to remind everyone that progress for Cebuanos isn’t achieved by the provincial government alone.

The Capitol’s vision and mission in a nutshell, “Kalambuan sa Matag Sugbuanon (Progress for Every Cebuano),” was launched last Monday evening at the Capitol grounds fronting the flag pole.

Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera said the yellow and blue of the figures represent the colors of the provincial government.

“Their hands are joined to mean that working for progress is not something exclusive to the governor. It’s not about him, not about me, but about everybody working together for progress,” she told Cebu Daily News.

At night, the figures illuminate part of the Capitol grounds alongside Christmas lights in the garden.

At the start of Gov. Hilario Davide III’s administration, officials held an Executive Legislative Agenda session to forge its vision and mission statement for the term.

Their aspirations are captured in the Cebuano phrase Kalambuan sa Matag Sugbuanon.”

“This is the mantra, the creed, the spirit every member of the Capitol must take to heart to rise above the challenges we face in our pursuit of public service, and the answer that we must always seek in every activity or project that bears this administration’s undertaking,” said Davide in a statement.

The governor was in Manila on a business trip during the launch.

With less than five months before the end of his term, Governor Davide said he was presenting his administration’s accomplishments as a gift in exchange for the trust the public has given him.

A presentation was made highlighting programs on health, countryside development, skills and knowledge, natural resources, commerce, and security.

They included capacitating province-run hospitals in Bogo City, Danao City, Carcar City, Balamban, and Argao for operating procedures; having 137 doctors and 460 nurses in all 16 provincial and district hospitals; and spending around P221 million for the construction of hospital facilities.

In agriculture,the report cited 8,900 farmers have enrolled in the Farmer Scientist Training Program; P9 million has been released for the Livestock Disbursal Program; and 30,000 farmers and fisherfolk have benefited from the provincial government’s Agri-Fisheries Insurance, among others.

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, in a speech, said said the Capitol has come a long way since the start of Davide administration in 2013.

“This Christmas, we are really better off than the last two years,” she said.

Magpale recalled that Davide assumed his position in 2013 with very little money left in the province’s coffers.

Nonetheless, she said the Capitol was able to respond to the aftermath of the 7.2-magnitude earthquake in October 2013 and typhoon Yolanda in November of the same year.

“Mas una ta nga nakabangon sa ubang lalawigan kay maayo ang pagdala sa Capitol ang panudlanan (We were among the first to rise among other regions because we were able to handle our funds pretty well). I think that is one of the accomplishments of the governor,” said Magpale.

She commended Davide for his transparent governance.

“It’s not about building monuments so that the accolades will come to him,” she said.

She said Davide makes sure that concerns of all sectors are addressed as part of inclusive growth.