Was a good year, says Guv
AIMING FOR NUMBER 1
LOOKING back in the year that is about to close, Governor Amado Espino Jr. says “2011 was a good one for Pangasinan.”
The governor, speaking during the special edition of the Media in Action forum of the Pangasinan Press Club (PPC) last week, said 2011 “gave us studded and memorable events that made us stronger, more resilient and resolute in all things expected of us by our provincemates”.
He cited how the San Roque Power Corporation closely coordinated with the provincial government in effecting a pre-emptive release of water from the dam, saving Pangasinan from another deluge similar to the tragedy two years ago that cost lives and millions worth of properties.
The province set up the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Desk that was opened at the height of the political crisis in Libya and Egypt and enabled workers from Pangasinan to communicate with their families.
Some 50 workers were repatriated back to their families in Pangasinan with the assistance of the now permanent OFW desk.
Espino also cited the various achievements of his administration, including Pangasinan’s various awards and its rise to being the fifth best province in the country based on the evaluation of the Department if Interior and Local Government.
He listed health care, improved work ethics among provincial officials and employees, environmental protection and youth development as his most meaningful accomplishments for the year.
This year, Pangasinan’s athletes also ended the 11-year supremacy of Ilocos Norte in the Region 1 Athletic Association Meet, earning back the province’s dominance in sports in Region 1.
Cultural development was enhanced with the launch of “Asin ed Asinan”, a project involving all provincial officials and employees to revive the province’s native culture and arts, the first “Balitok-a-Tawir” culture and arts festival, and the “I Love Pangasinan” campaign.
The province now has its own official hymn entitled “Luyag Mi Tan Yaman” made official by a provincial ordinance.
During the year, the province forged sisterhood ties with the island of Guam, following the historic visit to the province of two senators from the island territory of the United States.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Espino also announced that the first phase of the construction of the Sual International Seaport is now 23 percent complete.
Phase 1, which includes the construction of the port embankment and the pier itself, is expected to be completed in November next year.
Meanwhile, site development of the 300-hectare eco-tourism zone in Barangay Estanza, Lingayen is also ongoing.
Espino expressed hope that the first tranche of investment will speed up development at the start of the second quarter of 2012.
The provincial government will also have its hands full preparing for the 2012 Palarong Pambansa in May.
“Hosting the Palarong Pambansa the second time around (the first was in 1995) is a big challenge and opportunity for us to showcase once again our province’s growth, assets and rich cultural traits,” Espino said.
Espino said his administration is bent on realizing the province’s goal of becoming “Number 1” in the country.
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
