by Noel Baguio
While other sectors are ‘cautiously optimistic’ on their outlook for the year 2010, Governor Rodolfo del Rosario is certainly bullish about the sustained economic growth and development of Davao del Norte at the start of the new decade.
Banking on expectations of a better economy this Year of the Steel Tiger, the governor vowed to demonstrate the determination of the steel tiger in accomplishing the development goals and programs of the province.
He also promised to focus his energy on the remaining months of his term in completing crucial infrastructure projects that would address the minimum basic needs of the people and fuel the socio-economic growth of the barangays.
In his New Year’s message, Del Rosario asked the provincial officials, executives and employees to emulate the firmness and dependability of the steel tiger, as this year is made more challenging by the national elections in May.
“It is an opportune time for us to emulate the firmness and dependability of the steel tiger to defeat the cunning of a fox … We have to be firm and steadfast in our strategy and in our programs aimed at making a big difference in our province,” he stressed.
The governor expressed confidence in his vision of a premier Davao del Norte just around the corner with the completion of the Talaingod-Bukidnon Road .
He also cited the P225 million stimulus package that he launched late last year for the implementation of some 339 infrastructure projects in all the barangays.
The fund fuels the project NOBLE (No Barangay Left Behind) that provides the barangays impartial and equal access to development assistance coming from the provincial government.
Del Rosario directed provincial equipment management and project implementation officer Engr. Raul Mabanglo and provincial planning, engineering and development officer Engr. Josie Jean Rabanos, with other concerned offices to “vigorously pursue the projects to ensure their completion on or before June 30, 2010.”
He also made clear the inauguration of all the projects will be held after the election period is over.
The governor further explained the proposed state-of-the-art sports complex was deferred due to the recent global economic meltdown which resulted in the unprecedented price hike of construction materials.
From the original outlay of P250 million, the cost of the proposed mega sports facility skyrocketed to P500 million as a result of the global crisis.
“I decided to stop the project so that we can shift the money intended for the project into a stimulus package to benefit all the barangas in the province,” he said.
