Economy as priority

WINNERS in the May 10 elections will be settling into their posts by July 1 and by then, they should have in hand a clear program for economic development in their respective locales. That is not to say that other social concerns such as health and education should be shelved, but propping up the economy and alleviating poverty must be at the top of the agenda because that is the most pressing and has been the persistent problem in Pangasinan, one of the biggest and most populated provinces, and also among those with the highest poverty level in the country.

New faces, come-backing politicians, and re-elected officials, all coming from different political parties, will have to learn how to work together to achieve a common economic goal. This is particularly crucial in light of the still ongoing El Niño phenomenon that has affected agricultural production in most parts of the province and the typhoons that have caused major devastation in the two previous years.

Pangasinan is home to rich natural assets with its vast farmlands, fruit and tree orchards, and coastal resources. Local government officials must find ways to help farmers and fishermen improve established production systems and implement innovative ways of maximizing the province’s goods in an environment-friendly and sustainable way. To increase employment opportunities for the province’s highly-educated population who mainly choose to find better chances abroad, well-researched livelihood projects should be introduced alongside the setting up of policies that will attract investors to bring in their business here.

Meanwhile, our six representatives in Congress will receive an annual appropriation of P70 million each for their Priority Development Assistance Fund (the pork barrel) under the national budget. These would go a long way in supporting projects for economic improvement, provided that our congressmen choose to tow the line of transparency and good governance.

Both the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and the provincial office of the Commission on Elections has upheld the integrity of the last election, proclaiming that it was generally clean, honest and peaceful in Pangasinan. That is well and good, but what they failed to point out or perhaps chose to overlook was the rampant vote-buying (and vote-selling) that went on. The politicians and the voters are equally blameworthy for this continued trend, which really boils down to the issues of decency and financial capability for both sides, and that brings us back to the matter of economic maturity. If our local government leaders sincerely want to put a stop to this vicious trend, then they must help their constituents achieve a more economically stable life.

An electorate that is not poor and hungry will have more will power to say no to the dirty vote-buying politicians come the next elections.

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