CITY OBSERVES NAT’L FLAG DAY; MAGALONG EXHORTS CITY HALL EMPLOYEES TO SHOW RESPECT

May 31, 2025 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan led other city officials and employees in Monday’s (May 26) flag raising to mark National Flag Day. The ceremony included the proper way of burning and burial of worn-out Philippine flags to show respect –
symbolize national sovereignty .Baguio Girl Scouts Executive Jennifer Bugtong’s and scouts from the different schools participated in the activity. After the ceremony, Magalong in his remarks strongly reminded city hall employees to show respect to the flag by standing firm and hands placed on their sides/ back.

Magalong took the opportunity to spell out his battle-cry in ‘good governance.’ “I would like to remind you that Baguio City is becoming a model of good governance in the entire country. Other local government units, other localities, citizens of other provinces, cities, and municipalities, look up to the city of Baguio.” ‘We must not allow corrupt politicians to destroy this reputation,’ Magalong emphatically said , pointing ‘that even other countries look up to the City of Baguio.’ “Mabuti na lang maraming matatalinong mga botante sa
siyudad ng Baguio ..at mabuti na lang na mas marami ang hindi naniwala because at the end of the day, that is the truth” talking about the rumors circulating during the campaign election,’ said Magalong, expressing gratitude to all supporters.

Transparency, accountability and citizen participation are Magalong’s ethos of good governance. In an interview, William Garado, a business owner and professor at the University of the Cordilleras said :”Kumpara sa ibang naging mayor talagang action si mayor Magalong kitang kita mo, dahil sakanya takot ‘yong mga gumagawa ng krimen sa Baguio. Though Garado appreciate several actions of the mayor, however, he is requesting the local chief executive to look into ‘costly fees’ being collected by the city – like processing of business permits. Nevertheless, Garado believes that ‘Baguio is safe under Magalong’s administration.’

Jenny Faith Cruz/UC-Intern