ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Oct. 31 (PIA) – The province of Basilan recently unveiled and inaugurated seven infrastructure projects amounting to more than Php25 million pesos.
Governor Jim Salliman, together with provincial officials, led the unveiling and inauguration of infrastructure projects to include the concrete pavement of Basilan National High School, construction of Provincial Engineerings Office (PEO) parking, PEO compound, PEO multi-purpose hall, PEO carpentry house, garage for dental bus and ambulance, two-storey provincial health multi-function center and turn-over of a water truck.
In his opening message, Vice Governor Yusop Alano expressed gratitude for Governor Salliman’s leadership in making the provincial government a caring authority. He highlighted the free hospitalization program for patients and also a medical center for animals through the new veterinary office and clinic.
Moreover, the provincial government’s commitment to its constituents’ welfare was further highlighted by Governor Salliman, who stressed that serving as a political leader or government employee is a responsibility, not a privilege.
“If you are a political leader or as a leader that has a position in the government always the perception is a yong pag upo mo, yong responsibility kung paano mo ayusin is based on the objective,” Gov. Salliman said.
Governor Salliman also shared that, upon assuming office in 2016, the governance planning and budget prioritizations were based on the needs of the community. He recognized that the provincial government’s efforts in addressing the community’s needs are just a continuation of past interventions that will level up the situation and develop the area. He emphasized that every employee and public servant, being a Basileño or from the national government and other LGUs, must be responsible to ensure sustainability and resiliency.
Governor Salliman said that the budgets used for these projects were taken from the 20% Development Funds of the Provincial Government.
Meanwhile, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Sharifa Abbas-Alvarez shared that inaugurating a new building is not just about opening doors but also opening possibilities. Dr. Alvarez emphasized that the inauguration of new buildings represents progress and advancement while reflecting on the hard work and dedication that led to their creation. She expressed her gratitude towards Governor Salliman’s holistic support towards the newly constructed Provincial Health Office and implementing health programs. Dr. Alvarez believed that the new Provincial Health building represents great possibilities for the sustainability of health programs.
“We are sincerely in deep appreciation not only today but from the very beginning of his leadership as the governor of this province,” Dr. Alvarez expressed as she emphasized that the new PHO building is an insignia of so many great possibilities towards the sustainability of health programs and a legacy that will tangibly remind each and every one in the PHO to perform their duties and responsibilities as public health servant with all impartiality, authenticity and dedication to serve not only the marginalized but anyone who needs PHO’s service.
The Basileños expressed that unveiling of the Php25 million worth of infrastructure projects in Basilan represents the provincial government’s commitment to its constituents’ welfare. They hope that the projects will provide better facilities and services that will improve social welfarfe, develop the area and ensure the sustainability and resiliency of the community. (RVC/NDR-PIA Basilan with reports from Richard G. Falcatan – PIO)
