Pangasinenses weigh in on PNoy’s last SONA
HAPPY AND DISAPPOINTED
IN reaction to President Benigno Aquino III’s State of the Nation Address Monday, Pangasinan congressmen were one in saying that he delivered most of his promises over the last five years of his presidency.
Abono party-list Rep. Conrado Estrella III, said, “You don’t argue against solid accomplishments” and expressed hope that the next administration can double PNoy’s achievements.
Fourth District Rep. Gina de Venecia, said that, “Yes! Pres. Noynoy has, indeed, made a difference,” adding that Aquino’s “Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap” battle cry were put to action “when he made those who plundered the nation’s resources account for their acts.”
Former Third District Rep. Rachel Arenas, echoing the President’s desire to see the anti-dynasty bill passed, said “This proves that we embrace a change of what we had before and to give the next generations a chance to serve.”
Second District Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil said the President’s SONA was a narrative of many positive development in economy, education, health and social services, peace and order, justice, defense, infrastructure, tourism and other aspects of governance. “In fairness, our country is no longer the Sick Man of Asia,” he said.
He added that while nothing was mentioned about it, he hopes the PNP “will be insulated from too much politics”. He said the practice of officer-in-charge designation for police directors and chiefs of police be put in order, for better management of PNP units. (Tita Roces).
THE SATISFIED LOT
By and large, Pangasinenses in government service were pleased.
TESDA Provincial Director Manuel Wong was pleased that President cited TESDA’s programs that improved the lives of TESDA graduates.
Dr. Anna Maria Teresa de Guzman, provincial health officer, was proud that Pangasinan has done its part in contributing to the 89.4 million Filipinos who are now covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
“The provincial government of Pangasinan has been very supportive of the Aquino Health Agenda in achieving universal health care for all Filipinos. The province even adapted the PhilHealth Point-of-Care (POC) program for our 14 provincial hospitals allocating P60-M to cover the premium payments of those qualified indigents.”
Pozorrubio Police Chief Ryan Manongdo said he was satisfied that the President reported an upgrade of the equipment for the Philippine National Police (PNP),
“but with the upgraded equipment comes a greater challenge posed to us, police and that is to beat what we have already achieved in the anti-criminality drive,” he said.
P/Supt. Ferdinand de Asis said the Pangasinan police is hopeful that the equipment upgrade such as additional patrol vehicles and high caliber firearms for the police will be fully realized soon.
“What I liked most was when he mentioned about pushing for the passage of the Anti-Dynasty Law,” said Natalia Dalaten, chief of the Business Development Division of the Department of Trade and Industry.
Meanwhile, some Pangasinenses also expressed disappointment.
Corlito Cruz, instructor at Pangasinan State University, was dismayed. “Matatapos na ang ating mahal na Pangulo, bakit pa siya naninisi ng mga gawain ng nakaraang administrasyon at pati yong mga project/program ng nakaraang administrasyon na ngayon nai-implement ay naging kanya na,” he said.
Station Manager Bernie Errasquin of DZMQ Radyo ng Bayan-Dagupan said Aquino’s SONA accomplishments are unparalleled by previous administrations, “however, he never mentioned his approaches to solve the problems the country is presently facing and the clamor for more efficiency in certain departments.” (AMM/PIA-1, Pangasinan)
MORE REACTIONS
Lingayen councilor Judy Vargas, she has become a prouder Filipino mostly because of PNoy’s leadership.
“The developments we have today are satisfactory. We may not feel it all that much but we eventually will if this kind of good governance continues,” she said when asked of her opinion on Aquino’s State of the Nation Address last July 27.
Hannah Jezel Rosario, a fresh graduate of the University of the Philippines, said she considers PNoy as one of the effective presidents the Philippines had and cited the achievements in anti-corruption, social development, national defense, and economic issues.
Lovely Sendaydiego, a law student, said “He should’ve focused more on what his administration has done, and not where the administration he succeeded failed,” She cited “Aquino’s consistent habit of putting blame on others, which is a bad attribute especially of ‘leaders.'”
Similarly, former broadcaster Mae Viray said that like PNoy’s previous SONAs, faultfinding was in this year’s SONA. “Ok na sana naisingit pa rin ang manisi after five years,” she said. (Johanne Macob)
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