Marawi mayor appeals for a 'change' on Independence Day

By MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

June 12, 2019

Marawi City mayor Majul Gandamra leads the celebrations of the 121st anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at the city hall compound. (Marawi City Information Office)

MARAWI CITY: The local government unit of the Islamic City of Marawi City has appealed to the city constituents for a change as they celebrate the 121st anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine Independence on Wednesday in simple ceremony held at the city hall compound here.

City mayor Majul Gandamra led the occasion which was highlighted by the awarding of appreciations to those who continuously support Marawi in its recovery and rehabilitation after the Maute-led terror groups laid siege on the Islamic city two years ago.

“To be truly independent, to be able to hold our head up high, in order for Marawi City to take her rightful place among the progressive cities in our country, we, Marawi City citizens, must change,” said Gandamra.

He said: “Real independence lies in our hands. Independence is not just freedom from outside conquerors; it is also freedom from our own ills as a people.”

He said there is a need to be freed from un-endearing traits as a people. “We need to free ourselves from our divisiveness. We need to free ourselves from apathy and indifference and start caring for each other, for our city. We need to free ourselves from greed and from everything that Allah SWT has warned us against,” the city mayor emphasized.

Those who will be awarded by the city government during its celebrations of Independence Day are: The Task Force Bangon Marawi, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Barangay Local Government Units, the City Ulama Council, Marawi Sultanate League, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, Mindanao Humanitariam Team Civil Society Organization, and Marawi Broadcasters Association. (MNY/RSP)