By Eva C Visperas

 

AT a time when political tension and discord seem to permeate most legislative bodies, the current Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Pangasinan stands as a good example of stability and cooperative governance.

Under the leadership of Vice Governor Mark Lambino as the presiding officer, the provincial board has demonstrated exemplary work ethics, which is a rare sight in local politics. Their consistent dedication to serving the people of Pangasinan, coupled with their harmonious working relationship, is something worth celebrating as we look back at their accomplishments in the past year and ahead to the next phase of growth for our province.

In my view, one of the most notable qualities of the SP is the sheer professionalism that its members display during every session. Unlike other local legislative bodies, such as those in Dagupan City or Binmaley, where stress and tension often reach a boiling point due to petty politicking, the provincial board has maintained an atmosphere of respect and collaboration.

They do not wear t-shirts during their sessions, unlike in Dagupan where some councilors sport uniformed t-shirts as if they are always on the campaign trail.

The board members are always dressed neatly — coats and ties for men, business attire for women every first Monday of the month. For their regular sessions on the other Mondays, they wear Filipiniana attire. Their attendance is almost always 100%. There’s no room for drama here — no grandstanding, no fiscalizing for the sake of scoring political points, and no overacting. It’s a refreshing change from the theatrics we sometimes see in other localities.

In my capacity as a reporter who covers the sessions of the provincial board every Monday, I have a front-row seat to the dynamics at work within the SP. Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how each member approaches their responsibilities with sincerity and focus on the issues that matter most to our province. I could speak in detail about each member’s performance, as I closely monitor their contributions during plenary sessions.

For many observers, the lack of conflict and tension may sometimes feel “boring” — but that is, in fact, a sign of maturity and professionalism. There is a clear commitment to good governance, and the absence of political infighting benefits everyone. When the SP works together, without the need for constant drama or showmanship, the real work of legislation and governance gets done.

This collaborative spirit is reflected in the many achievements of 2024, as outlined by Vice Governor Lambino in an interview last Monday. Among the significant milestones of the past year were the groundbreaking of the Pangasinan Link Expressway, the establishment of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College, and the expansion of healthcare services. The steady progress in infrastructure, education, and healthcare can be directly attributed to the well-functioning provincial board, whose members put the needs of Pangasinan first.

Looking ahead, the province is set to experience even more growth and development this year. The SP’s commitment to progress is evident in its support for new projects, including the construction of the 15th provincial hospital, additional campuses for the Pangasinan Polytechnic College, and the development of a regional airport in Bolinao. These initiatives will further strengthen the foundation of Pangasinan, ensuring that it remains a hub of opportunity and growth for generations to come.

The good work ethics of the SP serve as a reminder that governance does not have to be a battleground. When elected officials prioritize collaboration over conflict and focus on the common good over personal gain, the people are the ultimate winners. In Pangasinan, we have a legislative body that embodies these values, and for that, we are all the better.

In conclusion, while some may find the calmness of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan sessions a bit mundane, I say it’s exactly what we need. In a world that often thrives on drama, the smooth, well-run sessions of the provincial board are a welcome breath of fresh air. It may not be the most exciting, but it is undeniably effective — and that’s what truly matters for the future of Pangasinan.

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