Gov. Migs spends birthday with villagers

MAITUM, Sarangani (February 6, 2010) – Instead of spending a day of relaxation away from his busy life as the provincial governor, Gov. Migs Dominguez celebrated his 33rd birthday to give hope and inspiration to villagers in the municipality of Maitum through a series of activities Friday (February 5).

Known for his political will, the governor sees the importance of giving time to the residents of far flung barangays in the province by visiting a few villages in Maitum, where he celebrated his birthday.

Clad in white polo and jeans, Dominguez's first stop was in barangay New La Union where he formally turned over a school library to the representatives of Kipalkuda Elementary School.

"Ang pinakamabisang susi upang makalabas sa kahirapan ay magkaroon ng kaledad na edukasyon. Sa mga magulang, sana ang pagcelebrate natin hindi lang dahil birthday ko kundi dahil maliwanag ang kinabukasan ng inyong mga anak," he said.

Several residents in the barangay also received PhilHealth Cards through their barangay health workers. The giving of cards was a surprise for the villagers who never expected such "gift" from the governor.

Earlier before noontime, Dominguez, together with Maitum Mayor Elsie Perrett and some board members, proceeded to Upo Elementary School in barangay Upo where a big crowd awaited for him.

The event was also graced with Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, and businessman Roy Chiongbian, who will run for Congress in the province in May 2010 polls.

"This is the true leader, he gives instead he receives," said Solon, who recognized the governor's effort in supporting a provincial outreach composed of a free medical mission, a feeding program, and the giving out of PhilHealth cards to the residents of at least six barangays.

The provincial outreach was also supported by the Chiongbian Group of Companies, the 73rd Infantry Battalion headed by Col. Edgardo de Leon, the Philippine National Police, and other agencies.

Dominguez said the giving of health cards is one of the initiatives of the provincial government in order to improve health services for the poor.

The governor also graced the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion and improvement of rural health unit of Malalag in the same municipality.

The project was funded by the Yacap Partylist through the effort of the governor and the municipal mayor of Maitum.

"We are very fortunate that we were able to experience the help and services extended by our governor," Perrett said.Meanwhile, to complete his series of visits, Dominguez led the officers of Kapitbahayan Resettlement and Housing Project in Valencia village in Salakit, Kiamba to take oath before the rest of the members of the association.

The resettlement area was intended for flood victims in the coastal areas of barangay Salakit. The project targets to benefit 100 families. (Joy Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)