MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos commended Thursday the city government of Ormoc for its accomplishments aimed at attaining food security, combatting climate change, as well as prioritizing education, programs that are in line with his national development agenda.

Speaking during Ormoc City’s 75th Charter Day Celebration, Marcos said ensuring quality education for the youth and freeing the people from hunger make their lives more comfortable, enabling the government to usher the country toward progress.

“Aside from these facets, it is likewise commendable that you give emphasis to initiatives that also address your vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change,” he said, citing the implementation of city’s Local Climate Change Action Plan 2016-2025.

The President also praised the city government for focusing on developing and utilizing renewable energy, which, he said, could help the country and the world minimize the negative impacts of fossil fuel use.

“I look forward to these advancements that will yield to bounties beneficial to the environment, our economy, and our people,” he noted.

At the same time, Marcos pointed to the city’s important interventions for the development of families, as it partners with the Commission on Population and Development to implement the Social Protection Program for Adolescent Mothers and their Children.

Marcos reiterated the administration’s commitment to supporting Ormoc City’s programs and projects for the betterment of its local population and the rest of the country.

And as the national government aggressively carries out its COVID-19 booster campaign, Marcos called on the people of Ormoc City to actively participate in the PinasLakas vaccination program.

The city’s booster uptake remains low at only 33 percent, Marcos said, underscoring the need to increase the booster rate to at least 50 percent to maintain the country’s wall of immunity against the coronavirus.

“We need to prioritize our health so that with renewed vigor and strength, we can act unrestrained in our efforts to bring forth a better, brighter, and more united Philippines for everyone,” Marcos said.  (PND)