MESSAGE of

VICE GOVERNOR EDCEL GRECO A. B. LAGMAN

FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

CAMP SIMEON OLA
NOVEMBER 25, 2019

I am deeply honored to join you today on your flag-raising ceremony. It is my plea-

sure to be invited as your guest speaker.

Firs and foremost, my snappy salute to our most distinguished police officers and
trainees! Thank you for your commitment to serve and protect the land. Thank you
for answering the call to secure peace and order in the region, in the Province of
Albay. Truly there is no genuine progress without security. The Provincial Govern-
ment of Albay is honored to have you as our very able and dynamic partners to-
wards holistic development.

As the Vice Governor and Presiding Officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Al-
bay, I would like to share with you our conviction. We stand against the culture of
impunity in the country, especially against several killings in Albay. In a provincial
resolution in July 2019, we urged the Philippine National Police to act swiftly in re-
solving the killing of an SK Chairperson in Daraga. There is a culture of violence
and impunity that must be stopped by upholding the rule of law. Many people may
have forgotten this principle as shown by violent events that occur every single day.
We urge witnesses to come forward and provide information to authorities. We
pledge to help in the protection of these people as well as to the human rights
workers. In the war against illegal drugs in Albay, we, the authorities, must be re-
minded to act with justice and respect for human rights.

As your partner and fellow public servant, I challenge you to maintain integrity. Let
us uphold the rule of law. Let us be bearers of justice and peace. Let us work not
for recognition or promotion. Let us seek to be honorable for our children and the
generations to come.
Only thirty days to go before Christmas. The brightest season in the year brings us
hope in times of confusion and darkness. It reminds us not to give up in our call to
serve and protect. It is nobility to stand for what is right.

As protectors and providers, we also need help. It is not all the time that we are
strong and able. Remember, you are not alone. You have a friend in us, you have a
friend and ally in me, in our institution, the Provincial Government of Albay.

Again, thank you and congratulations! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!