Pangan: For once, a real development framework
GIVE it to dependable reliables like businessmen par excellance Levi P. Laus and Rene Romero, both top honchos of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce (Pamcham) for their untiring efforts and unblurring vision for the province of Pampanga in order to make it more viable and an investor-friendly area.
This, despite their heavy schedules in their respective firms and like the rest of the members of this active group, does find time to map out plans for the development of the province. Remember, Pampanga once led the other provinces in Region 3 (Central Luzon) in terms of economic growth, progress and stability but has since yielded the top slot to Bulacan which, perhaps because of its proximity to Metro Manila, the energetic stewardship of its leaders and the cooperative spirit of its people, has become the top province in the region.
Undaunted by several factors, man-made and otherwise, Laus, Romero and other officials of Pamcham have strived to come up to the top, sometimes spending their own funds and resources in the process and make doable plans and projects for the province.
Along with other parallel organizations, all socio-civic oriented like the Save San Fernando Movement during Mt. Pinatubo's fury and, of late, the Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon which counts as its prime movers Abong Tayag and super environmentalist Sonny Dobles, Pamcham carries out a steadfast mission to help initiate projects aimed at making Pampanga a prime investment area and uplifting every sector of the province and component towns.
In addition, Laus's firms pitch in the massive refurbishing and image building of the province, in pursuance of the corporate social responsibilities of the member companies. Romero's concerns also contribute to the Herculean effort by providing employment to otherwise "rejectable" individuals and pay taxes due the LGUs where his firms are situated.
In sum, it is an encouraging sight to behold such honorable men and women who confer, converge and coordinate activities for progress. I may add that Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Macci), where the Honorable Rox D. Pena belongs and the Rotary Clubs all work for the betterment of communities and their residents.
Indeed, as announced by Rene Romero over DWRW this week, it is imperative that a viable development framework for progress and economic growth for Pampanga be put in place and thereafter implemented in earnest so that good, positive results may be seen, felt and imbibed in by the likewise good people of Pampanga.
Yes, for once, a good, effective and doable development and growth framework is needed, fast. Let's move on, ladies and gentlemen.
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Here come the old unreliables. No less than the respected Representative Jose "Peping" Cojuangco who said on television that his nephew, President-elect Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III or P.Noy should be cautious in choosing his cabinet members as info reached the good congressman that the former Arroyo Cabinet members who stabbed in the back outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and known as the Hyatt 10 may be appointed by the incoming president. These mutineers are now scrambling to get the nod of P.Noy (read: nagpapasipsip!). It is time that Congressman Peping has forewarned P.Noy about the villainous character of the Hyatt 10 opportunists. Even SSS President Romulo Neri has an unsolicited advice for P.Noy: Watch your back. These mutineers may inflict harm on him as they did on PGMA.
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A good choice. Over lunch, Engineer Romy P. Calara, general manager of the Angeles City Water District (ACWD), intimated to me that he has recommended to the firm's board of directors that his logical successor is Engineer Rey Liwanag, manager of the Commercial Division of the water facility. Engineer Romy premised his choice on the experience and dependability of Engineer Rey and his considerable length of service and exposure to the operations, problems and other concerns of the firm. GM Romy furthered that, with level headedness and disregarding any personal demerits being hurled at and attributed to Engineer Rey, the latter is a good choice to succeed the outgoing GM and PWWA President.
Lino D. Sanchez, Jr., and I could only nod in concordance with the affable GM Romy.