Lingayen- – -“Let us not elect wrong leaders.” Thus said Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. as he urged the latest batch of visitors from Urdaneta City, San Carlos City and Alcala town to reflect on what and who is best for Pangasinan.
In his brief message before the three groups of visitors—Senior Citizens Association of Brgy. Perez and Bry. Payapa, in San Carlos City; Senior Citizens Association of Brgy. Bayaoas and Brgy. Dilan, Urdaneta City and Cooperative and Farers Association of Alcala, the Governor urged them to focus their attention on what was already achieved rather than on promises of people who wants to rule the province for personal motive.
The three groups were provided with a Capitol Heritage Tour by the provincial government on January 20 as requested by their respective leaders and were treated with side trips at the Manaoag Shrine, provincial government facilities and bagoong factory, as well.
For the groups’ willingness to conduct a heritage tour, the Governor thanked them as he said that what is seen at the Capitol is an exact measurement of how much the present leadership cares for the 2.78 million Pangasinenses (as of 2010 statistics).
As he mentioned about leaving the Capitol in a few months to proceed to another venture of public service, Gov. Espino made an appeal for everyone everyone to assess the transformation that made the province one of the country’s premier provinces to date.
“Walang ibang tutulong sa atin kundi kapwa natin Pangasinense,” he stressed as he stated that it is this notion that he opted to instill ‘continuity of service’ in another capacity mentioning his son and namesake Liga ng mga Barangay president and Board Member Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III as the one who can keep the momentum of change going for Pangasinan.
For his part, BM Pogi disclosed that to “continue the phase of development,” Pangasinenses should brace themselves for a unified stand. “Itayo po natin ang bandera ng Pangasinan. Pangasinense ako, Pangasinense din po kayo. Taga-Pangasinan ako, taga-Pangasinan din po kayo,” he said.
Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr., who provided the visitors an entertainment via his rendition of “Ikaw Na Nga” song, cited that given another opportunity, his future role is to be a transitional leader who will serve as back-up official for the incoming Governor.
Meanwhile, Ret. Col. Eduardo Tamondong, Barangay Captain of Brgy. Sapinit, commended the present administration for everything it has done in pursuit of development.
“To see is to believe. We now see the genuine progress of Pangasinan. The difference between Pangasinan then and now is very obvious, “Tamondong said as he added that it is only right to embrace and opt for continuity of leadership.
Melecio Macaraeg, Pres. of Cooperative and Farmers Association of Alcala, has the best words for the present leadership. He pointed out that under the Espino administration “good governance and transparent leadership” is seen.
“Maraming magagandang proyekto ang nagawa at kitang-kita ang pagbabago ng Pangasinan,” Macaraeg stated. (Ruby R. Bernardino)