TABUK CITY A ZONE OF LIFE

I am now in a new world--- where change is inevitable, where everything is dynamic. Tabuk City is the
new world. For years, progress had been shown through various infrastructures and improvements in
the city’s description. However, in what way or ways could we consider it a zone of life?
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning/afternoon. When I say zone of life, what does it mean? This city’s
livability or the ability of a place to support life, as a term is exceedingly difficult to define. For some, it
is intrinsically tied to physical amenities such as enormous parks and recreational spaces; for others to
cultural infrastructures, career opportunities, economic dynamism, or even to some degree of
reasonable safety within which to raise a family.
I do believed that Tabuk City is a zone of life and it can be likened to a bowl. A bowl where diverse
individuals mingle and interact with each other, utilize their resources responsibly and play their role in
the community. My friends, individuals make up life. People from all tribes interrelate with each other
despite their diversity and individual differences. These differences are formally mediated through a
term we call bodong or in English, the peace pact system, which was comprehended because of the
people’s desire to live in peace and social security so that advances headed for pecuniary prosperity
and social immovability may be achieved, conferring to the people’s notions of wealth and well-being
and that they may cultivate and preserve cultural heritages. Bayanihan among Tabuk city dwellers and
residents is very much alive. In times of distress, we help each other out even if we are not blood-
related of any sorts. We are firm in our belief of paying not in monetary gains but in valuable ones.
Not only that but since Tabuk is a bowl of diversity, language, arts and music cannot be left untouched.
Various dialects could be heard from around the city, during special events, atypical types of music and
diverse interpretations of the arts are showcased through the grandiose works of persons and groups.
The faith of those who live in Tabuk city are strong, and indeed it is the only weapon we have in our
arsenal to battle doubt, as said by Jodi Picoult, a famous novel author.
Contrariwise, the environment where these people live in should be given much importance. Dubbed
as the Rice Granary of the Cordilleras and the White Water Rafting Capital in Northern Philippines,
Tabuk City has its natural and simulated wonders. An example would be Talama View Park which is
an ideal place for eco-walk adventures and picnics with loved ones where people can witness and
behold the breathtaking view of the Chico River and the Cordillera ranges. The highway street of this
city is teemed with vibrant colors of flowers and the whole place lights up as streetlights are put on.
Establishments to support people, from food to entertainment to hardware to education are present in
this wondrous city.
Business ventures and prospects are also present in the city. Agriculture is the main economic activity
in the city and its chief product is rice. Other farm products produced include corn, coffee, livestock and
poultry. Manufacturing is narrowed to rice milling and food processing. Cottage industries include
furniture making, wood crafts, weaving and other handicrafts-making. These information I read in a
website that implied we must be proud of this city.
In a nutshell, I completely concur with this year’s theme. That is, Tabuk City: A Zone of Life and I hope
it continues to be. Thank you very much!