Guv cites performance in provincial address

ALABEL, Sarangani -- Governor Miguel Dominguez has delivered his second State of the Province Address (Sopa) at the Provincial Capitol Gym on Monday.

Dominguez tackled his initiatives in alleviating poverty through social services, tourism and investment, and education.

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"The Sopa was very inspiring and we realized na bumaha ng proyekto para dito sa Sarangani, billions of investments ang pumasok. Napakalaki rin ng itinaas ng ratings ng investments sa probinsiya from 2004 until last year," said Roy Benito, a municipal councilor from Maasim.

Based on his Sopa, Dominguez cited the various investments that entered the province including the $450 million power generation plant in Kamanga, Maasim, which he considered as the single biggest investment and infrastructure project in the history of Sarangani.

He said the province's stable peace and order situation has not only attracted tourists and visitors, but investors have also taken notice of the province's beautiful place and took advantage of the incentives that the Provincial Government is giving them.

"I'm very proud to be a Sarangan. We have a leader who really works, who guides us, who implements programs for the poor and the youth and he provides a good environment for business. He has really proven that he's a good leader," Engineer Joel Aton, a representative from the business sector, said.

"Wala nako gina-expect nga daghan na kaayo og nabuhat si guv para sa Sarangani. I can really see that he is responsible because it reflects in the various achievements for Sarangani that he presented," said Rembranth Oniot, 4th year high school student of the Alabel National Science High School.

Ruben Lawa, chair of the Lumad Mag-uuma Kausahan sa Sarangani (Lumakas) in Alegria, Alabel, believes the governor can do more if the latter will have the chance anew to be the father of the province.

"I take comfort that Sarangans today can already walk with their heads and chins up high. That while we still are in a poor province, we are rich with vision and pride," the governor said.

Dominguez also recognized the Sarangans for honing his leadership skill.

He said he wants to leave a legacy of firm and committed leadership, a leadership by example.

"I was appointed president of the Lakas-Kampi, I owe my appointment to that post to you. Allow me to assure every Sarangan that I will never turn my back on you kahit ako ang napili bilang pinakabatang presidente and so far the only one from Mindanao to head a major national political party," he said.

Dominguez, 33, concluded that together in unity, Sarangani will soar and "will rise above any challenges." (Joy Sevilla)