Migs delivers "State of My Children Address"

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 29, 2006) – "No child will be left out."

This was the core of Gov. Migs Dominguez's speech before local officials, parents, students and children Thursday.

Departing from tradition, the 29-year old governor delivered the annual State of the Children Address in a municipality instead of the Capitol premises.

"Ang tawag ko dito is 'State of My Children Address' in Sarangani being the father of the province," Dominguez told the crowd.

"Importante na maalala natin na we are actually in the state of calamity for the future of our children especially in education," the governor said. "However, we are all doing our part in providing a better future for our children in Sarangani Province as a whole."

Dominguez noted that Maitum has stood up to become "a model of success and exemplary performance" in its child rights movement.

"Dapat tayong lahat ay gawing benchmark ang mga successes ng Maitum. This is a challenge I will give to all of you," Dominguez said.

He told local leaders to provide the direction and for constituents to believe in the "vision of our leaders and work toward the fulfillment of that vision."

"The effects will not be seen today, but we will see that in the future generations to come," Dominguez said.

The governor said the children-focused welfare codes and development plans for each municipality, knowledge center, tracking systems and the state of the children address are "four beautiful gifts" for children.

"Money is not everything. Mas importante ang paglaum (hope). Vision is more important, then hard work," Dominguez said.

He said his administration and the mayors "are trying to eradicate hunger and eliminate poverty by all means."

He pointed out the importance of ownership as part of people empowerment.
"We have seen that empowering communities have created synergy. Kahit hindi elected, people can participate in government," Dominguez added. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)