(My closing remarks on June 30 2010 at the oath-taking of Bohol provincial and congressional officials)
All this time we’ve been on board this ship called the Provincial Government of Bohol. And today we have reached Port June 30—this allegorical harbor where local governments make call every 3 years.
Our journey had been exciting and challenging as it was fulfilling. We sailed on be it good weather or stormy nights. We cruised across calm oceans and at times we struggled through raging seas.
Our Captain steered the ship with his sharp eyes and skillful hands while we manned our stations with steadfast dedication.
Now the howling winds have quieted down and the gentle breeze brought us to shore. Let me take this time to share with you the memories once more.
I boldly say the journey with you, my dear shipmates, had been worthwhile and rewarding. I came on board at the start of the Captain’s second term. I quickly made new friends and acquaintances. I did my tasks and learned the ropes. I enjoyed how we grew professionally, strengthened our bond, deepened our understanding, widened our reach and honed our skills.
We solved problems together. Arm in arm, we faced adversities. We celebrated successes and mourned for the colleagues we lose midway.
I had the rare opportunity to occupy two coterminus positions. Starting out as Provincial Legal Officer which I held on for 5 years, the matters that were referred to me were usually issues that demand, and some “screamingâ€, for legal solutions. As Provincial Administrator in the last 6 months, a position that is practically running the whole day-to-day affairs of the Province, the task was much easier. Why, I simply indorse to the Provincial Legal Office the hard issues to solve. Seriously now, in that position you are confronted to make hard choices from time to time. And I die a little bit inside for those decisions that mean denying a financial claim or request, or discontinuing and even terminating an employment.
At 12:00 o’clock noon today a chapter in my career as a public servant will come to a close.
I will miss my co-workers from whom I have learned a lot and who inspired me to keep on learning. Thank you for making my workload a great deal lighter. I am honored to have worked with you as a team.
I will miss Gov. Aumentado’s late night calls and dozens of instructions in a single breath. I thank him for his trust and confidence, and for the exposures that developed my potentials.
I will miss the tough and searching questions of the media. I thank them for I learned how to keep cool under fire.
I will miss the hot black coffee given to me automatically as I sat on my desk. I thank all my staff for the comfort and for giving me an extra hand amidst the daunting tasks.
I am proud that young lawyers whom I mentored at the Provincial Legal Office are now elected or will soon be appointed to public or professional positions. May you serve to inspire excellence in all that we do.
I look back and I stand tall seeing the things we accomplished together. But my heart cannot rest because there are still some unfinished business which must be completed.
We have reached Port June 30 and this is where I get off. I am a “Tom Jone†and there are a few others like me. Our tour of duty ends together with our wise Captain who is taking back his old assignment in Congress. Now, a new Captain has taken command, Gov. Edgar M. Chatto, with his first mate, Vice Gov. Consing Lim, ably supported by our distinguished gentlemen, Cong. Relampagos, Cong. Aumentado and Cong. Yap, and the members of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan.
We have heard the inspiring words of the new leadership. The ceremony this morning completed the transition process we started just after the election. We have a smooth transfer of authority. This is a day of hopeful jubilation.
For us who have packed our bags and will be disembarking, this is not yet the end of our voyage. It’s just a stopover until we will resume, perhaps on board another ship, the next leg of the journey. To many this stopover may be brief but for some it may take a while. I’ll be going home to my family tonight and will know for the very first time what it’s like to sleep in bed with a city councilor-wife.
And to all of you who will be continuing the journey on board this ship, I wish you all God speed. May you always have fair weather so your sailing will be swift and always find safe harbor to shelter you in the storm. See you beyond the horizon.
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