EDITORIAL - The richest

With over P34 billion in assets, Cebu is still the richest province in the country, according to the 2017 Annual Financial Report of the Commission on Audit. While this is expected, it is something that Cebuanos should be proud of.

For the past four years, Cebu has been topping the list of the country’s riches provinces. Its 2017 assets of P34.14 billion is higher by P1.7 billion than the 2016 figure, which amounted to P32.43 billion. The COA report said Cebu’s current assets are at P5.7 billion while its non-current assets are at P28.37 billion.

Compostela Valley came second in the list with P18.95 billion in assets. Batangas is third with P15.56 billion while Rizal ranked fourth with P14 billion. Completing the top 10 are Negros Occidental with P12.88 billion; Zambales,  P10.455  billion;  Bulacan,  P10.451 billion; Palawan, P10.15 billion; Iloilo, P10.04 billion; and Pampanga, P9.53 billion.

Although this development is no longer surprising, it’s good that Cebu was able to maintain its standing in COA’s financial report. We expect the province to continue topping the list in the coming years.

However, it would be better if Cebu could use its prestige and clout as the country’s richest province in enhancing the quality of life of Cebuanos, especially those living in the far-flung areas. We cannot deny the fact that there are many who have yet to benefit from the programs and projects of the Capitol since the previous administrations.

With billions solidifying its war chest, the provincial government can certainly win in the battle against poverty. All it should do is prioritize the implementation of livelihood projects that aim to benefit the poor across the province.

It would be an insult to Cebuanos if the province, being the wealthiest, falls short in its bid to put premium on programs uplifting the lives of its constituents.