Governor Dominguez back on May 26

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (May 25, 2009) – Sarangani governor Miguel ‘Migs’Dominguez is scheduled to arrive here May 26 after close to two months of stay in the US where he was a fellow of the Eisenhower Center for American Studies.

Dominguez timed his arrival for the opening of the Sarangani BayFestival which will open on May 28.

During his stay abroad, Dominguez met with top State Department officials as well as agriculture experts in the US.Dominguez was only the second Mindanaoan to earn a spot in theprestigious Eisenhower fellowship program.

The other was the late Datu Paglas mayor Ibrahim ‘Toto’ Paglas.

The governor said he will immediately submit a report on his six-week official travel upon his return.

He however lamented reports and commentaries against him during his absence.“It’s disappointing to hear those kinds of statements coming from thechurch,” when informed that he was being criticized by some priestsfor not preventing the construction of the coal-fired power plant.

He appealed church people “to discuss issues only with fair minded words, with civility and respect and not demonizing those who do not share their conviction.”

Dominguez has refrained from issuing statement on the proposed construction of the coal-fired power plant in the town of Maasim in Sarangani, citing “delicadeza.”

The governor is a member of the Alcantara clan whose family-controlled Conal Holdings Corporation is behind the proposed 200-megawatt coal-fired power plant project.

Last week, Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez issued a statement appealing to residents not to vote candidates who will support miningand the coal-fired power plant project in the 2010 polls.

Dominguez did not offer any comment on the statement of the bishop.

He however said that “in any democratic process, under the rule oflaw, there will always be space for parties to actively debate issues and stands on certain topics.”

Meanwhile, Dominguez said his study tour in the US has broadened his mind in addressing the conflict in Mindanao.

He said he would take active role in the peace process in the comingsmonths. (Courtesy of Edwin G. Espejo/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)