Acting Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya yesterday urged everyone to unite and be one in the fight against present day oppressors that are destroying the society, like the proliferation of illegal drugs and gambling in the community.

At the 116th Philippine Independence Day program at the BAYS Center, Gasataya said the apprehension of drug courier Edgardo Justo at the heart of the city is no joke.

He said a kilo of shabu will greatly affect those who will be swayed to buy and use the illegal substance. The crusade against illegal drugs needs everybody's support and cooperation.

Gasataya expressed optimism that “Amidst all the problems that had affected us like Typhoon Yolanda, we have showed that we can unite.”

He also lauded the noble work of the teachers, who he said have molded “everyone of us to become what we are today. They help educate the children to become well meaning members of our city and this liberates us from the bondage of poverty”.

Gasataya also led city officials during the flag-raising and wreath-laying rites at the Bacolod City Public Plaza, early yesterday morning.

Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, who was guest of honor, said that without the guidance of the teachers, he would not have been where he is today. They deserve all the right to a salary increase which he said is long overdue.

Paduano also assured the teachers that Abang Lingkod will always be behind them.

He encouraged the students to take advantage of free education which will help their parents gain economic freedom, and also thanked the war veterans and senior citizens for offering their lives for national independence, which he said is worth emulating.

Paduano reminded government employees and officials to be transparent and to practice accountability, and to also lead by example.

NOT INVITED

Meanwhile, Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., over-all chairman of the Independence Day celebration, said he is not aware if Bacolod Rep. Evelio Leonardia was invited or not to the occasion, when asked by the media during a press conference yesterday.

Gamboa said there is a Committee on Invitation (chaired by Councilor Archie Baribar) that is in charge of it.

He said there was no intention to bypass the solon and the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod did not discuss anything about not inviting Leonadia.

Leonardia had announced earlier, that he would be in Malacañang Palace yesterday, where he was invited for the traditional Vin d’ Honneur hosted by President Benigno Aquino, Jr.

On invitation by the President,Leonardia joined the country’s officialdom and diplomatic corps at the Vin d’ Honneur.

Puentevella was still in Brazil yesterday for the FIFA World Cup.*CGS

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