Defensor praises Eastern Samar natural magnificence

By BRYAN M. AZURA
November 9, 2006

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar – Secretary Michael Defensor, Presidential Chief of Staff, was the guest of honor in the culmination program of the 41st Founding Anniversary of Eastern Samar held on Nov. 9, this year at the Capitol grounds, this town.

In his message, Defensor observed that the province can truly be progressive with all its abounding natural resources. “Ang mga beach, tatalunin ang Boracay. And biodiversity, tatalunin ang Palawan,” he commented hinting that with the vast resources, Eastern Samar can surpass other advance provinces.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s chief-of-staff have had a view of the natural riches of the province when he was flown in an Army chopper from Tacloban to Borongan.

As he closed his message, Defensor guaranteed Gov. Ben P. Evardone and other provincial and municipal officials that all the project and programs in the province will have the full backing of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Governor Evardone said that he is more than happy to hear the secretary making an assertion. “That might have been the shortest sentence in his message but that’s what the Eastern Samareños are waiting for,” Evardone said.

Eastern Samar has just graduated from the so-called “Club 20” or the poorest of the poor provinces in the country. Previously, Evardone admitted that there is still much to be done most particularly in the poverty alleviation program of the province. “We need not just the full support of the president but also of the all the stakeholders,” he said.

Defensor meanwhile noted that the festival of the province is “one of a kind.” “I will finance the team that will compete in Cebu for the Sinulog Festival,” he promised before a jump-packed crowed during the ceremonies. He also assured to host the Eastern Samar contingent that will be sent to the Aliwan Festival in Manila.

The secretary also added that he would be willing to host Miss Sinirangan Turismo Rosjane Tiunayan of Taft town in any beauty contest she will be joining in Metro Manila.