- Vision 2020
AGUSAN DEL NORTE, Philippines – The ancient and historic kingdom of Butuan is now out to show the rest of the Philippines why its rich history is not only limited to its balanghai boats as it remarkably gathered thousands of people to join in the launching of Vision 2020 via a simultaneous tree planting activity Sunday.
Arriving at the area as early as 5:00 a.m. and not paying much attention to the scorching heat of the sun later on that Sunday morning, the tree planters, all coming from various organizations both from the public and private sectors, lined up along the 5km stretch of the Bancasi Rotunda towards the boundary of the Bancasi-Bonbon road with their planting necessities, ready to plant 1,500 mahogany and narra trees and start a life-long commitment for Butuan.
On the forefront of the momentous activity was Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. who, from the start of the preparations, never doubted the support of the Butuanons for Vision 2020. “The support we receive especially in today’s launching is really very overwhelming. This is more than what we prayed for and I’m just so thankful to everybody for doing their share. A little help goes a long way, and yes, it is still a long way to go for us to achieve Vision 2020, the road can get bumpier, but if we are in this together, we can overcome whatever obstacles there are along the way. Being united as one people. That matters greatly. And today is a great start,” Mayor Amante said.
Led by Vice-Mayor Angelo Calo, the members of the 13th Sangguniang Panlungsod, were also there to solidify their commitment to Vision 2020. councilors Samuel Amante, Virgilio Nery, Ferdinand Nalcot, Ramon Carampatana, and Rema Burdeos, each planted a tree along with their respective families.
The Butuan City Government chiefs of office and employees also came in full force and just as well committed themselves, along with everyone else who planted that day, to not just nurture and protect the trees, but to remain responsive to their obligations to this once-still city that is now slowly unmasking itself to be one of the most competitive cities down South and rise beyond expectations.
