By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario’s development of people’s spirituality is embodied in his “PEOPLE” agenda which stands for People empowerment, Education, Optimum health and social services, Public-private partnership, Link to the world and Employment and livelihood opportunities.

The separation of the Church and State may be a time-honored principle but in the province of Davao del Norte, spirituality is an important ingredient in fulfilling the roles played by the provincial employees and the provincial government.

“When I committed myself to leadership in government, I also committed to support programs that will enhance the spiritual aspects of the people,” del Rosario said during the regular Monday Convocation at the Provincial Government Center.

He said people around the world are touched by religion and for many believers it is their pastors and priests that serve as the rock of their lives.

“This October we are giving tribute to the pastors and priests who help guide our people during their most desperate moments,” he said.

Del Rosario commended the canonization by Pope Benedict XVI of Pedro Calungsod on Sunday, saying “he is a good role model for the Filipino youth.”

Reverend Hector P. Guzman, administrative pastor of the Tagum United Methodist Church and guest speaker during the Convocation, said “you cannot separate your Christian life from your work in government.”

Guzman said the work of a pastor or a priest is not an eight-hour job because their obligation does not stop at five in the afternoon.

“There are times when clergies and church workers have to minister to their members even at night,” he said.