Lingayen – Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino, III vowed to continue the various exemplary programs and projects set by the past provincial administration even as he bared that a more intensified project implementation to cover more areas and beneficiaries starting 2017 will be undertaken during his term.
In the Provincial Development Council (PDC) meeting held on August 10 at the Sison Auditorium , the governor thanked all local government unit (LGU) chief executives for signifying their cooperation with, and support to, his administration.
Acknowledging the presence of the different town mayors, he stated his intention of reaching out to all mayors of the various towns and cities of the province for the implementation of all programs and projects included in the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) for 2017.
Among the programs and projects that Gov. Pogi mentioned as his priority activities are focused on intensified sports program, effective solutions on illegal drugs, urban greening and proper waste disposal.
Stressing the four activities that are closest to his heart, Gov. Pogi appealed to all mayors to incorporate in their plans an intensified sports program and effective solutions on the illegal drugs problem.
As a sport enthusiast, the governor urged all LGUs to appoint sports focal person per city and municipality who will coordinate with the provincial government the various activities which will focus on the active involvement of the younger generation.
With regards to his administration’s plan for the thousands of self-confessed drug users who recently surrendered to the authorities, the provincial chief executive stated his plans and initial actions taken with the officers of Camp Tito Abat in Manaoag town to set up a sort of rehab/boot camp that will accommodate the young drug users.
Assistance from the LGU, he said, will be sought by the provincial government to facilitate the rehabilitation of the thousands of surrenderees.
On urban greening proposal, the provincial government is keen on allotting funds with the help of the LGUs for the purchase of possible idle lands which will be planted with trees and be declared as protected areas in the long run, he added.
For the growing problem on garbage disposal, Gov. Pogi revealed his plan to discuss with all town and city mayors the possible establishment of three garbage sites in eastern, central and western Pangasinan.
As stated by the governor, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) assured that there are available funds for the project. However, possible sites must first be identified.
Furthermore, he said that together with Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr., separate meeting will be held with the town and city mayors and the DILG provincial director for the realization of the mentioned proposal.
During the PDC meeting, the 2017 Provincial AIP which contained the various 10 development thrusts of the provincial government was presented by Provincial Planning and Development Chief and PDC secretary Benita Pizarro which was immediately approved for endorsement to the provincial board.
The meeting was also highlighted by the presentation of the major development plans of LGUs particularly Sta. Barbara, Villasis, Natividad, Bautista, Aguilar, Mangaldan, Laoac, Binalonan and Urbiztondo.
Mayors present during the meeting include: Ramon Guico III (Binalonan), Amadeo Espino (Bautista), Marvin Martinez (Infanta), Danilo Uy (Sison), Nonato Abrenica (Villasis), Rodrigo Rafael (Natividad), Silverio Alarcio (Alcala), Alberto Guiang (Burgos), Simplicio Rosario (Binmaley), Joseph Arman Bauzon (Calasiao), Dominador Arenas (Labrador), Rebecca Saldivar (San Nicolas), Roberto Arcinue (Sual), Artemio Chan (Pozorrubio), Heidee Chua (Asingan), Manuelito de Leon (Basista), Cesar Quiambao (Bayambang), Gerald Glenn Tambaoan (Mapandan) and Cecil Tiu (San Quintin). (Ruby R. Bernardino)