LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – “Hit the ground running without compromising the high standard and quality service of our Provincial Government is known for.”
This was the goal set by Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III since he assumed office on July 1 as he focused to continue the legacy handed down by the past administration by doubling efforts to provide excellent service for the 2.9 million Pangasinenses.
In his First 100 Days Report delivered during a special session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on October 10, Governor Pogi said that while familiarizing himself with the affairs of the province, he concentrated on reciprocating the national government’s call to address illegal drugs in Pangasinan, which according to him, was also among his priority programs even during his tenure as Liga ng mga Barangay president.
For his first month in office, the provincial chief executive immediately reorganized and convened the Provincial Anti-Drugs Council (PDAC). Initial activities involved the conduct of the Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Summit, which was the first in the country as noted by DILG Sec. Mike Sueno.
His all-out support to fight the proliferation of drugs in the province even before becoming governor has earned him a special citation from no-less than PNP Director-General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa during the celebration of the 115th Police Service Anniversary last September 2 at the PNP Regional Command in San Fernando City, La Union.
Among the undertakings initiated by the provincial government was the conduct of Random Mandatory Drug Testing for employees, which was spearheaded by the governor, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. and members of the board.
Aside from these, Gov. Pogi also envisioned to establish a Renewal Program Center located at Camp Abat in Manaoag town which is set to start upon the approval of the submitted request from his office to the AFP Central Command.
In terms of culture, tourism and environment, the Governor reported that among the activities undertaken under his term include holding of inaugural lecture on “The Challenges and Opportunities for a Federal Philippines” in partnership with the Center for Pangasinan Studies (CPS).
In addition, the provincial government hosted the 3rd Region 1 Tourism Convention which endeavored to showcase the various tourism spots and facilities of Pangasinan to some 600 visitors.
As such, he noted that the CPS along with some partner-universities will launch Cultural Mapping Activities on three pilot municipalities to be funded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
The governor also mentioned that local tourism will further be boosted through the provision of a Lingayen-Based travel company which offers tours to various sites like Bolinao town and in Hundred Islands located in Alaminos City.
For cleanliness and beautification drive, Gov. Pogi also initiated the conduct of a weekly clean-up drive involving all Capitol officials and employees on Fridays at 4 o’clock in the afternoon at the Capitol beachfront.
Capping all tourism gains, the province recently bagged two prestigious National Pearl Awards specifically notching second place for ‘Best Tourism Month Celebration’ and third’ Best Provincial Tourism Event/Festival’ throughout the country.
On livelihood and employment, a total of P4.1M capital assistance loans for 28 livelihood groups and three micro-enterprises were distributed. This has benefitted some 794 individuals.
The Pangasinan Employment Services Office, on the other hand, has placed 1,186 jobseekers for employment. Of this number, 1141 were locally placed while 45 were placed overseas.
Regarding Pangasinan’s disaster response capability, the governor reported that the upgraded Geo-Cloud Software installed earlier by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at the PDRRMC Operations Center can now anticipate adverse weather conditions. Said project took off during the administration of his father, former Governor now 5th district representative Amado T. Espino, Jr.
As part of Pangasinan’s La Nina Action Plan, Gov. Pogi said that the provincial government conducted numerous trainings for LGU rescuers specifically in five flood-prone towns like San Fabian, Mangatarem, Bani, Dasol and Mabini. Also, the Pangasinan Evacuation Center is now in full operation.
For its sound fiscal management, the provincial government has realized the so-called ITAX-RPTA management System covering 42 municipal assessor’s offices and 27 municipal treasurer’s offices from different sites in Pangasinan.
Various infrastructure and support facilities were constructed, upgraded, rehabilitated or repaired during Gov. Pogi’s first 100 days in office. Specific projects include 146 kilometers of roads and 367 meters of bridges; three schools; 30 provincial and barangay buildings; three communal irrigation projects; 29 shallow tube well irrigation projects that could help irrigate an additional 2,500 hectares of agricultural lands; among many other.
Based on records from the Provincial Engineering Office, only 16 kilometers of provincial roads remain unpaved to date.
With regards to economy and investment, the Governor disclosed that the KAMPAC group plans to establish a Petrochemical Plant and Oil Refinery Complex in Sual town. Said project is capable of producing 1 million barrels of oil a day, he added.
If this materializes, the multi-million investment project will construct a contractor’s village at the eco-tourism zone in Lingayen where some 2,000 families of workers from at least 25 construction firms will be housed.
According to the Governor, the project, which is said to be the country’s single biggest foreign investment, will generate additional revenues, employment and livelihood for Pangasinenses.
Giving utmost priority to the agriculture, Gov. Pogi stressed that for the first 100 days of his term, three communal irrigation systems covering an area of 290 hectares were established. Aside from this, trainings and reorganization of agriculture and fishery groups were held.
Aside from the regular program on health, Gov. Pogi endeavored to bring the health assistance closer to the people by launching “Kalusugan Karavan,” an “all-in-one package of health care service” offered to Pangasinenses at the far-flung barangays.
To benefit more underprivileged Pangasinenses, the governor vowed to conduct two health caravans per week.
On agriculture, Gov. Pogi noted he is setting his sights on achieving an agro-industrial enterprise status for Pangasinan as he pointed out that this could be achieved with organized effort, the correct package of technologies, financial schemes, post-harvest and manufacturing facilities, and proper marketing strategies.
He stated that an Integrated Human Development Program is among his future endeavors wherein he foresees Pangasinan as a “place of people with healthy bodies, healthy hearts and minds, healthy pockets, healthy environment, living under the care and stewardship of a healthy government.”
By Dexter A. See
