Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz challenged all public servants to uphold at all times the value of integrity in order to achieve good governance and genuine reforms in the government during the observance of the 59th Agew na Dagupan on June 20 at the City Plaza.

“If we want to become more progressive, economically viable and prosperous, then a public servant must nurture the value of integrity,” Arch. Cruz said.

In his speech, Cruz stressed that every government employee must be true, honest and dedicated public servant worthy of the people's trust and respect.

The archbishop cited Dagupan City as an example of a local government unit that practices integrity in its governance.

According to Cruz, he witnessed the transformation of the city from a devastated and hopeless city after the 1990 killer earthquake, into a progressive and well-developed city as it is today.

“Sixteen years ago, Dagupan City is wrecked but it has managed to become progressive and be back on its feet because of the integrity of the officials who served this city,” he added.

However, he further said that the ill notions about our country such as corrupt and impoverish are brought by greedy and self-serving public servants.

“Sa dulo ng lahat ng kasamaang nangyayari sa ating bansa ay ang mga taong walang alam kundi magnakaw at baluktot ang paglilingkod,” Cruz said.

He ended his speech by encouraging the youth to also practice integrity at their young age. (CIO/Leziel T. Cayabyab)