LINGAYEN–Governor Amado Espino Jr. appears to have been on a fact-finding mission in his first 100 days in office and now he vows to spend the rest of his term resolving the ails he discovered.

Espino, who delivered his first 100 days report Monday at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center, said he discovered major problems when he assumed office and that these need to be immediately addressed.

Among the problems he listed were the poor tourism industry with Pangasinan having the third lowest tourist arrivals in the region, a bloated workforce, an inherited P650 million loan secured by the past administration, alleged irregularities in financial and fiscal management of provincial funds, lack of economic initiatives, unsolved high profile killings, and poor delivery of health services.

ESPINO

The governor noted that despite being home to the Hundred Islands National Park, a scenic western coastline with diverse marine life, and several religious sites, the province’s tourism potential has not been tapped with the lack of infra and service facilities for visitors.

“It is a land of great natural wonders, with a diverse array of geographic attractions: gorgeous white sandy beaches, verdant hills and scenic terrains, caves and waterfalls. We have in Lingayen one of the first airports in the country, but it is already largely non-operational, used more as a grazing area for cows, goats and sheep,” the governor lamented.

ECONOMY

Espino also pointed out the lack of commercial seaports despite the province’s strategic location.

He also said despite being host to two large power plants in the province, the Sual-coal-fired power plant and the San Roque Multi-purpose Dam project, Pangasinan has no big industries and manufacturing plants.

Espino said the provincial government has already initiated moves to take over the Sual fishport complex, operated by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, which has been subleased to companies using the facility merely as storage for dressed chicken and ice cream.

“For so many years, Pangasinan has not been conducive to investments because it lacked the basic support industries, facilities and services that can adequately protect and promote large industrial operations and other big time businesses,” he said.

“Unable to properly exploit our many natural resources, we are left behind by more progressive provinces, and now Pangasinan has the highest incidence of poverty in Region One,” Espino added.

As for the provincial workforce, Espino said he has already cut down the number of casual employees from 1,907 to only 700 and raised workers’ salaries by 10 percent.

He said he has also directed the Philippine National Police to toughen anti-crime operations, including the eradication of jueteng operations.

On public health, Espino said he has directed all 14 public hospitals under the provincial government to improve preventive health care for indigent patients, among others.

He vowed to allocate more funds for the construction and repair of school facilities to ensure the limit of 50 students per classroom.

“To confront the great issues and problems of our province, we must act in a spirit of goodwill and respect for one another-and I promise, as your governor, I will do my part,” Espino said. #

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