In a letter, Romulo
Virola, NSCB Secretary General, congratulated Governor Ben P. Evardone
as Eastern Samar is among the 30 best provinces in the
Philippines
based on the Provincial Good Governance Index computed by the NSCB.
Prior to the
administration of Evardone, the province belonged to the 20 poorest
provinces in the country or popularly called the “Club 20.”
Governor Evardone
stressed that the hard work his administration is putting forth is
paying off as the province did not just graduate from the Club 20 but
is now among the top 30 provinces. “It’s so consoling to know that the
economic reforms we are applying in the province are gaining great
results as we see in now in this survey,” Evardone said.
Eastern Samar was
included in the top list for its success in reducing poverty incidence
in the province. The provinces that fared well in reducing poverty
incidence are Ifugao, Bohol, Camiguin, Capiz, Tawi-tawi, Lanao del Sur,
North Cotabato, Romblon, Sulu and Tarlac. Also included in the list
are Catanduanes, Zambales, Negros Occidental, Apayao,
Cebu, La Union,
South Cotabato, Sorsogon and Ilocos
Sur.
In an article by
Virola posted in NSCB’s website, he noted that 6 provinces in the top
ten lists were once in the ranks of poorest provinces in year 2000.
Eastern Samar is one of the provinces that made a big leap from the
poorest to the best provinces in the country.
Governor Evardone
emphasized that the battle against poverty will not end with the
statistical result. “Obviously, marks of scarcity in the province are
still visible and we will continue to strive to totally pluck out the
Eastern Samareños from the quandary of poverty,” he said.
“We have high hopes
for Eastern Samar in terms of economy,” the governor continued.
“Investors are coming in, both local and foreign, as we continue to
promote tourism industry in Guiuan to the world and as these will be
in place, surely it will make greater economic impact on our
province,” Evardone said.
