Defensor: Reform and change now a reality

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — "Reform and change is not just a political statement; it is now a reality (in Iloilo)." This was the declaration of Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered at the Provincial Board session hall on August 8.

Defensor's 45-minute speech was aired live over three major radio stations in Iloilo City and was viewed simultaneously via four widescreens installed on the sixth, fourth, second and ground floors of the Iloilo Capitol by provincial government employees and guests.

The governor cited the gains and achievements of his administration after two years that, under his "reform and change" agenda, had reclaimed the people's trust, respect and faith in the provincial government.

"We also restored the pride and honor of our official family here at the Iloilo Capitol that were badly eroded by storms of adversity that rocked the very foundation of this edifice. Being an official or employee of the Iloilo Provincial Government is now a mark of distinction," he told the crowd.

Defensor cited the province's procurement system, which has resulted in savings of more than P100 million for the provincial government.

He also boasted of having invested P500 million for the upgrading and improvement of the 12 province-run hospitals "so we can serve our people better," adding that his administration has released P73.3 million to ensure the enrolment of 71,209 families in PhilHealth, covering the period January 1, this year to December 31, 2013.

Defensor also increased the annual budget for financial assistance to individuals in crisis situations from the previous P2.5 million to P20 million to address their medical, burial and other emergency needs, saying that an average of 45 indigents come to the Capitol for financial aid every day.

On anti-illegal fishing campaign, Defensor said this has been successful. "For the first time in the history of the province, we have stopped the operation of "hulbot-hulbot" from Banate town all the way to Carles town. The mayors of these towns have certified the manifestos signed by "hulbot-hulbot" operators that they are ceasing their operations once and for all," said the governor, adding that the provincial Bantay Dagat had raised P2.6 million in compromise fines from the apprehensions it did last year.

On agriculture, Defensor said the province last year harvested 959,239 metric tons of rice, a significant improvement of almost 300,000 metric tons over 659,970 metric tons harvest in 2010. Iloilo now ranked third among the rice producing provinces in the country, a feat that earned Iloilo the "Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards 2011" and a P4-million prize from the Department of Agriculture, he said.

The Defensor administration has so far spent P24.3 million for the Provincial Waterworks and Sanitation Program providing potable water to 286 barangays and 14 public schools that had no water sources in the past, he said.

On basic education, the governor said the Capitol invested P34 million by hiring 300 teachers and P39.4 million for the construction and repair of classrooms and school facilities this year alone.

Defensor said he also allotted funds for the completion and upgrading of facilities at the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center in Pototan, Iloilo that will soon be turned over to the BJMP, adding that the provincial government spent about P21 million for the repairs and renovation of the Iloilo Sports Complex.

On good governance, Defensor said Iloilo reaped the DILG's Seal of Good Housekeeping, a distinction that carried with it a P30 million prize for the province, which was in turn used in infrastructure projects.

The governor also cited his pet project, the restoration of the Old Iloilo Provincial Capitol. "It is being rebuilt and rehabilitated to be what it once was, and what it was always meant to be-a symbol of ideal government, an institution respected and revered by the people and which in turn repays that respect and reverence by the depth and breadth of its care and concern for the welfare and happiness of our people. That building and the work being done on it are emblematic of what we are trying to do," he said.

The governor finally reiterated his call for support to the reforestation and mangrove-planting activities of the province. — Contributed by Erly C. Garcia (THE FREEMAN)