ALABEL, Sarangani (November 22, 2009) – At first, he was called by colleagues in politics and even friends as “incidental governor”, being then the 27-year old Miguel Rene Alcantara Dominguez enjoying his private and luxurious life just months before the May 2004 elections.
But the young fellow has proven his worth in politics and governance far more than he thought.
As soon as he began leading the province of Sarangani in 2004, Migs Dominguez pledged: “When I assumed office in July 2004, my pledge to my fellow Sarangans was to usher in a new Sarangani, one that truly upholds the principles of unity, progress, and good governance.”
Sarangani itself, born to spur development in 1992 through the effort of then Congressman James L. Chiongbian, has plenty of potentials- abundant amenities and wonderful culture.
And so the newly seated governor urged his constituents: “And because of this great promise, we Sarangans have committed ourselves to work as a team, to uphold dignity in public service, and to gear up for equitable growth for all.”
Credibility and quality, as the governor would always say every time he sees the need of the communities for basic services such as livelihood, health, and education.
Very noticeably, the governor’s benchmarking on credibility and quality of serving the communities have gained partnerships and linkages, and have led communities to volunteerism and dignity of work. In a snap, the governor has become a symbol of leadership among the people of Sarangani!
During his first term as governor (2004-2007) the provincial planning office had translated the various partnerships from the national, international, business, and non-government organizations into concrete fund assistance to the province amounting to P1 billion which Dominguez reported in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) in 2007.
By then, Dominguez had identified the core need of his constituents to survive the global challenge of the future and to free themselves from the bondage of poverty- education- thereby quoting in his SOPA, “as long as there is a single child in the province who cannot go to school, we will not stop.”
Even before finishing the first phase of national government’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral has proclaimed Sarangani as a model province in implementing the program under Dominguez’ leadership.
Tapping the province’s tourism potentials as seen to provide employment and investments, and by empowering the local entrepreneurs, Governor Dominguez led Sarangans to rediscover themselves and opened the province its doors anew- a diamond on the rough waiting to be polished.
Dominguez’ trainings in management at their family-owned corporations and his education in economics from Boston University has primed the governor to see the needs of his people, more precisely addressing their needs, and govern them better. Early this year, he was appointed new chairman of the Regional Development Council. In May, he became the country’s Eisenhower fellow and underwent training and researches in health education and agricultural technology in the United States for six weeks.
Perhaps, Governor Dominguez’ greatest challenge in governance so far was when the town of Maasim was attacked by some rogue elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the Muslim’s advocacy for an autonomous Mindanao which, Muslims in the provincial government actually respect. But no. That phenomenon had just affirmed the governor’s governance of a strong, decisive brand of leadership and political will to stand for justice and protect the welfare of innocent civilians-at all costs.
Managing and actually leading the residents to fight for justice and peace against the lawless elements and civil disturbance has earned the governor another star on his shoulders. At the Galing Pook Award 2009 for top local government units in innovative governance, the Kalinaw Program has won among the ten finalists out of the 124 LGUs. Kalinaw Program is the peace and development program of the province under the Office of the Governor.
The political neophyte in 2004 now leads a major national political party. In November 19, 2009, Governor Dominguez was appointed as Lakas-Kampi-CMD national president, itself has now grown into the strongest administration party.
Over the airwaves minutes before getting inducted to the position, the governor has never forgotten the aspirations of his fellow Sarangans, grateful of their support and hopeful wishes: “My commitment to my people is my commitment. I will not leave you, and I won’t be here without your support.” (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
.JPG)
No comments:
Post a Comment