Southern Leyte Gov delivers first SOPA

By REBECCA CADAVOS
January 29, 2008

PROVINCIAL CAPITOL, Southern Leyte  –  In his less than 30-minute State of the Province Address (SOPA) Monday morning at the Sagguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall here, Gov. Damian G. Mercado vowed to extend better and much-improved services by providing efficient and effective services and facilities to his constituents.

“I commit to continually make every effort to improve the lives of our people through sustainable economic growth and greater social inclusion which shall focus on infrastructure development, social security, livelihood promotion, environmental protection and preservation, educational support enhancement,” the Bachelor Governor during the joint session held with the SP members, Provincial Heads of Offices, the mediamen and some guests.

He further added that foremost among his priorities are agriculture and fishery sector, health care and nutrition.

Gov. Mercado revealed in his speech that development cannot be achieved in just three years and not even in three terms and certainly can’t be done by just one person. “With close coordination, cooperation and frequent interactions especially among and between our people, we shall see our beloved province bound with potentials and better prospects,” he said.

Within his experience in governance as a Barangay Captain, Maasin Municipal Mayor then to City Mayor and now as a governor for only six months, he learned three important lessons, first, continuity in laudable programs and good practices, second, the sensitivity to the people’s need is critical, and third, decision-making which requires strong political will and strength of character.

The Honorable Governor also committed to continually improve and spur innovations in the programs, strategies and experiences which proved to be relevant to the people’s needs and are deemed successful and effective public service, fiscal improvements, economic growth, poverty reduction and social upliftment and he expect that these strategies would be met.

“The struggles were never easy, Southern Leyte exists today because of the opportunities that people saw, no matter where they came from,” he related.  Southern Leyte is built to what it is today, he further said.