LINGAYEN–Members of the provincial board headed by Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr. expressed dismay on former Governor Victor Agbayani regarding his recent move to solicit funds for various agricultural projects specifically concreting of farm-to-market roads using the Partido Liberal as his leeway.

During the question hour of the regular session today, October 24, the provincial board invited the officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office led by Renato A. Maguigad, OIC, Regional Executive Director, to shed light on the alleged fund requests submitted directly by Agbayani to their office.

As an expression of disgust, the board members were one in saying that the move is merely a “political act” of a man who was already rejected by an overwhelming majority of the people of Pangasinan as proven by his lost of more than 532,000 votes when he sought re-election for gubernatorial race in May 2010.

Board Member Raul Sison, who chairs the Committee on Agriculture, said that although he favors development, he strongly objects the act as he added that such move is a mere disrespect to the elected officials specifically on the part of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., who was chosen by the people twice to lead Pangasinan into greater heights of progress.

SP Member Amadeo Espino, on the other hand, said that protocol must be followed and Agbayani should never tag his party affiliation for his own comfort.

“Give respect where it is due,” said Vice Governor Calimlim as he appealed to the agriculture department to coordinate with the provincial government so as to avoid overlapping of programs and projects.

Based on letters compiled by the board, Agbayani forwarded his requests for the funding of some 17 agricultural projects, mostly concreting of farm-to-market-roads, directly to the DA carrying the Partido Liberal as his political inclination.

Vice Governor Calimlim said that the province is thankful and supportive of all development projects implemented by the DA. However, he said, there must be a system of order when it comes to the procedure of requesting projects not just in agriculture aspect but in other programs, as well.

He said that Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. is closely coordinating with Secretary Proceso Alcala regarding the implementation of various agriculture-related programs and projects to spur development for Pangasinan. Thus, he added, the intrusion of private individuals might create overlapping of projects on the part of the province.

Furthermore, Board Member Alfonso Bince requested the DA to at least observe protocol and courtesy and to further improve their office procedure so as to ensure an effective coordination with local government units concerned.

In the end, Maguigad revealed that as of today the DA has not yet approve any of the project requests of Agbayani even as he assured the provincial government that protocol will be now be observed to ensure a better working relationship between their agency and the province. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino)

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