Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang is optimistic for more promising programs and projects for the Province of Davao Oriental in the year 2017.
Ranging from programs aimed at uplifting the economic sector, boostinginfrastructure development and agriculture, strengthening social and health services,to interventions that would beef up peace and order, among others, this year’s priority programs and projects are anchored on the Governor’s Five-Point Development Agenda which are:Defeating Poverty; Safeguarding the Environment; Expanding Access to Infrastructure, Utilities and Social Services; Sustaining Public Order and Security; and Strengthening Effective Governance.
Patterned from the agenda of the previous administration, Gov. Dayanghiranghas outlined development plans intended to continue and sustain what has been started byhis predecessor, former Governor, now First District Representative Cong. Corazon N. Malanyaon.
Governor Dayanghirang bared some of the crucial projects pipelined in 2017. Among which is the construction of a rehabilitation facility for drug reformists which will be implemented through partnership with the private sector. He said that aside from being a concrete indication suggesting his administration’s support to the national leadership’s thrust in the fight against illegal drugs and in upholding peace and order, the project is intended to provide help to the staggering number of drug reformists who have surrendered to the authorities and who have been seeking a chance to get better.
In terms of peace and development, Governor Dayanghirang vows to continue bringing government services down to the grassroots level through the Provincial Government-initiated outreach program dubbed as NagkakaisangLinkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental Barangay Outreach Caravan. Touted as a regular program of the Provincial Government, the caravan pools resources and services of various national line agencies and other sectors to be brought directly to the communities, thus, promoting and cultivating a culture of peaceespecially those in geographically isolated and depressed areas.
Banking on severalnational government programs that are bent on improving the socio-economic sector, Governor Dayanghirang’s administration has allocated a slice of the 2017 budget as counterpart funds for projectsunder various national programssuch as the Philippine Rural Development Program of the Department of Agriculture and Payapa at MasaganangPamayanan (Pamana) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, which have earmarked millions of pesos for big-ticket infrastructure and livelihood projects here.
Governor Dayanghirang said that setting aside funds as counterpartfor these externally-funded projects is a good moveas it is difficult for the Provincial Government to rely solely on itsmeager coffersin the implementation of huge projects. “We need external support if we want to createhuge developments. But in the process, we have to do our fair share by preparing our counterpart that would catalyze the project implementation,” he said.
Meanwhile, with the Provincial Government’s attempt to bring in huge investments that will spur local economic growth, a proposed 16 megawatts hydropower plant is poised to be established here by a private power generating company. Touted as a breakthrough investment, the project will tap the energy of water flowing in the vast Sumlog River in Lupon town that will create renewable source of energy enough to meet residential and ultimately industrial needs.
Governor Dayanghirang described the project as promising as it will not only help create a sustainable economic growth through employment and boosting businesses and investments but would also help in the preservation of the biodiversity surrounding the river.
In addition, projects that will boost eco-tourism, environment protection, health, and social services are also included in the Governor’s agenda which are specified in the crafted Executive-Legislative Agenda and the ongoing six-year Successor Plan for 2017-2022.
In the pursuit of the provincial goals and on its cherished long-term success, Governor Dayanghirang urges everyone’s support. “Pragmatically, my optimism is drawn from the support of my dear constituents and those from our ever-dependable stakeholders,” said Governor Dayanghirang. (Karen Lou Deloso/DavOr Info)
