Sponsorship Speech of Sen. JV Ejercito on Araw ng Sibugay
August 15, 2024
Mr. President, my dear colleagues.
It is my distinct pleasure to sponsor Committee Report No. 102 on House Bill
No. 3977, which will declare February 24 of every year as “Araw ng Sibugay”, a
Special Working Holiday.
With that said, allow me to say a
few words on this measure. Firstly, Zamboanga Sibugay is one of our youngest
provinces. It belongs to “Generation Z”, as it was born in the 2000’s. The
Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Maguindanao del Norte are the only
provinces which are younger.
The province was created spur
development in the undeveloped areas of the Zamboanga Peninsula. Today,
Zamboanga Sibugay is a rapidly growing province with many promising industries.
This shows that Zamboanga
Sibugay’s relative youth does equate to a lack of history. The proposed bill
celebrates the province’s hopes, dreams, and potential.
Lastly, Mr. President. Malapit sa
puso ko ang Zamboanga Sibugay. The province’s charter bears the signature of my
father, President Joseph Estrada, who signed the law on November 07, 2000. It
also received the approval of Senator Legarda, who was just 2 years into her
first term at the time.
That’s at least 3 votes in favor
of this bill. Two Estradas- myself and Senator Jinggoy- and Senator Legarda.
Collectively, we might be called the good, the better, and the beautiful. We
eagerly hope to gain the support of the remaining members of this chamber.
Thank you, and good evening.
