THE
governors have taken the frontline among LGU executives
and legislators in pushing the national government to undertake
vital measures for the country’s development.
|
Gov.
Victor Ortega
La Union |
During
the 4th general assembly of the ULAP, La Union Gov. Victor
Ortega sponsored the resolution supporting the full and
immediate implementation of the five Super Regions envisioned
by Her Excellency President Gloria Magapagal-Arroyo to build
a Strong and New Philippines.
“The full and immediate implementation of the Super
Regions shall sustain the Legacy of Growth of the President
to achieve the fastest annual growth average growth, the
lowest inflation, and the biggest increase in jobs in the
country since 1986,” he said.
|
Gov.
Enrique “Tet” Garcia
Bataan |
Meanwhile,
Gov. Enrique T. Garcia of Bataan sponsored a resolution
which once more urged the national government to implement
the ruling in the case of Batangas vs. Romulo on the full
and automatic release of the IRA by allocating it in accordance
with the Constitution and the Local Government Code of 1991.
The LGU officials likewise asked Congress to approve the
Supplemental Budget of the national government, especially
the allocation of the P14.862 billion difference between
the IRA allocation in 2005 and in that for 2006 under the
National Expenditure Program, as well as the P1.82 billion
LGU share in the proceeds of national wealth.
|
Gov.
Rosette Lerias
Southern Leyte |
For
her part, Southern Leyte Gov. Rosette Y. Lerias sponsored
a resolution for the ULAP to endorse the Trans-Visayas Friendship
Bridges.
The project, she explained, seeks to inter-connect the islands
in the Visayas – Cebu with Bohol and with Oriental
Negros; Bohol with Southern Leyte; Negros Occidental with
Panay Island and Iloilo with Guimaras.
In an earlier meeting among Visayas governors, the provinces
committed to put up a collective counterpart equivalent
to 50 percent of the cost for undertaking the project’s
feasibility study.
|
LMP
Pres. Mayor Ramon Guico
Binalonan, Pangsinan |
|
BM
Edward Thomas Joson
Nueva Ecija |
|
PCL
Chair Coun. Elmer Datuin
Baguio City |
“The
provincial governors of the three Visayas Regions are supporting
the creation of the Friendship Bridges to enhance cooperation,
promote goodwill and accelerate economic development among
the Visayas provinces,” Lerias added.
All three resolutions were adopted unanimously.
Moreover, the ULAP also approved four other resolutions,
which include the one adopting the Manifesto: “Charting
Our Nation’s Destiny through People’s Initiative”
and reiterating its unequivocal support for constitutional
change, and sponsored by LMP president Mayor Ramon Guico.
The body also approved the resolution sponsored by PCL chairman,
Coun. Elmer Datuin calling on Congress to adopt a legislation
to extend and strengthen the CARP beyond 2008 in order to
sustain and improve the socio-economic conditions of the
rural poor, and further promote peace and sustainable development
in the countryside.
“There is a need for Congress to adopt legislation
to extend and strengthen the CARP as a vehicle for social
justice, poverty reduction, job generation and economic
growth,” he said.
Nueva Ecija Sr. Board Member Edward Joson, likewise sponsored
the resolution thanking Manila Mayor Joselito Atienza for
graciously welcoming the participants of the ULAP General
Assembly by providing vibrant cultural presentation by the
talented and energetic young students of the city’s
schools. (angelica j. sanchez)
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