The Miniature President

It has been both amusing and engrossing to see in the past week how news about the contest for governorship is intensifying in many provinces, particularly in Luzon.

This includes Nueva Ecija, which has been put in the Commission on Election’s list of “areas of concern” precisely because of the gubernatorial race; Pampanga, where the two top bets seem to be vying not just for the people’s vote but President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s endorsement which could possibly prove to be a double-edged sword; and Batangas, where showbusiness and family ties give it an added sensational twist.

The gubernatorial battle in Pangasinan, though it has yet to grab national media attention, is even more hotly-contested. 

The list of wannabes is long and fascinating: Dr. Jamie Agbayani, wife of the incumbent governor, Victor Agbayani, who has confirmed two weeks ago that his spouse is indeed in the running; Rep. Amado Espino, the current congressman for the second district of the province; Vice Governor Oscar Lambino, a veteran politician and loyal party member who has threatened to bolt from the ruling LAKAS-CMD party if Agbayani is chosen over him to become the administration’s bearer; Undersecretary for local governance Antonio Villar and one who may very well be considered as the dark horse, Oscar Orbos who has already once served the position.

With such an impressive list of luminaries, it is easy to get blinded by the personality factor in the competition. It is also easy to be drowned in the hullabaloo over party alliances and friendships. But what voters must not lose focus on is how important the position that is at stake.

The province is the biggest political subdivision in the country under the Local Government Code. It is therefore a crucial area of governance where the leader – the provincial governor – plays a major role in development. And a big role means a big responsibility.

The governor could very well be considered as a mini president. The provincial leader has both the authority and accountability for the progress of his territory in practicality all realms – infrastructure, agriculture, environment, tourism, health, education, and other social services.

For Pangasinan, the responsibilities of the governor is even more pronounced considering that this is the province with the biggest population as well as one that is gifted with  very rich marine and agricultural resources.

Each one in the list of Pangasinan’s probable candidates for governor is qualified for the job. But they all do need to think, and think hard, about the tall order that comes with the seat that they are aiming to grab. 

Pangasinan’s table is huge – it holds a lot of people and a lot of promise. Expectations from the leader should be elevated to a very high level.

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