LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Rep. Eric Yap urged the people of the province to move out from the so-called culture of silence to allow them to contribute in significantly improving the province’s current status and bring Benguet to greater heights.
In his message during the launching of the 2023 Adivay Festival and the province’s 123rd Founding Anniversary, Yap underscored it is high time that people should speak out what they feel, what they know, what they believe and what needs to be done, among others, so that national and local leaders become fully aware of the problems on the ground to guide them in their decisions on the programs, projects and activities should be implemented for the welfare of the majority.
He pointed out that by actively participating in the discourse of issues and concerns bestowed with public interest, people are able to contribute in the formulation of the right policies and programs that should be implemented by concerned government agencies, local governments and even the private sector for the realization of growth and development in the rural areas.
The lawmaker also claimed that people should not be adamant in talking about their success stories for others to emulate such achievements that are seen to contribute in the collective desire of development in their respective communities.
According to him, people should not also be hesitant to openly discuss the problems in their communities so that concerned government agencies and local governments will be compelled to implement solutions to address such concerns instead of keeping quiet as this will not help in addressing their prevailing issues.
Yap rallied the residents to remain united in working for the province’s growth and development because their elected and appointed officials cannot do it alone.
Earlier, the Benguet solon vowed to do his best to further elevate the province’s status from a second class province to a first class local government with the support of the people to be able to enhance their economic activities and sources of livelihood being the country’s Salad Bowl.
Yap assured he remains committed in pursuing his aspiration for a well-developed province that is why appropriate measures are now being instituted to pave the way for the implementation of high-impact development projects, such as the inter-connection of regional, provincial and municipal road networks, that will spur economic activities in potential growth areas in the province.
Benguet continues to be the source of more than 80 percent of the highland vegetables being sold in various markets around the archipelago over the past several decades.
The lawmaker expressed hope that the dreams and aspirations of the people and officialdom of the province of a progressive Benguet will be realized soonest with the ongoing pace of development being undertaken complimented by the utmost cooperation and support of the constituents to the government development initiatives for rural development.