Gov's SOPA draws reaction from different sectors

By Joy Sevilla
ALABEL, Sarangani (February 8, 2010) - Governor Migs Dominguez has once again proven his effectiveness and genuineness in service through his second State of the Province Address (SOPA) Monday (February 8) at the Provincial Capitol Gym.

Dominguez tackled his initiatives in alleviating poverty through social services, tourism and investment, and education.

His address resembles his continuity and perseverance in giving quality life through dedication and service.

"The SOPA was very inspiring and we realized na bumaha ng proyekto para dito sa Sarangani, billions of investments ang pumasok. Napakalaki rin ng itinaas ng ratings ng investments sa probinsiya from 2004 until last year," said Roy Benito, a municipal councilor from Maasim.

Based on his SOPA, Gov. Dominguez cited the various investments that entered the province including the USD450 million power generation plant in Kamanga, Maasim which he considered as the single biggest investment and infrastructure project in the history of Sarangani.

He said the province's stable peace and order situation has not only attracted tourists and visitors, but investors have also taken notice of the province's beautiful place and took advantage of the incentives that the provincial government is giving them.

The governor's SOPA, which lasted for almost 44 minutes, was well delivered, backed up with factual presentation.

"I'm very proud to be a Sarangan. We have a leader who really works, who guides us, who implements programs for the poor and the youth and he provides a good environment for business. He has really proven that he's a good leader," Engr. Joel Aton, a representative from the business sector, said.

"Wala nako gina-expect nga daghan na kaayo og nabuhat si Gov para sa Sarangani. I can really see that he is responsible because it reflects in the various achievements for Sarangani that he presented," said Rembranth Oniot, 4th year high school student of the Alabel National Science High School .

Ruben Lawa, chairman of the Lumad Mag-uuma Kausahan sa Sarangani (Lumakas) in Alegria, Alabel, believes that the governor can do more if the latter will have the chance anew to be the father of the province."Wala ko'y ikasaway kay Gov. Wala'y duda, sigurado 100 percent nga iyang mahimong mapalambo pa ang probinsiya. Mao ni nga mga tawo ang kinahanglan ipadayon," Lawa shared.

The governor, in his SOPA, wants to believe that he was able to live up to the expectation of the Sarangans."I take comfort that Sarangans today can already walk with their heads and chins up high. That while we still are in a poor province, we are rich with vision and pride," the governor said.

Dominguez also recognized the Sarangans for honing his leadership skill. He said he wants to leave a legacy of firm and committed leadership, a leadership by example.

"I was appointed president of the Lakas Kampi-NUCD, I owe my appointment to that post to you. Allow me to assure every Sarangan that I will never turn my back on you kahit ako ang napili bilang pinakabatang presidente and so far the only one from Mindanao to head a major national political party," he said.

Dominguez, 33, concluded that together in unity, Sarangani will soar and "will rise above any challenges." (Joy Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)