MATI CITY, Davao Oriental (PIA) – – ‘The state of the province is ‘undeniably’ strong.’
Governor Niño Sotero Uy declared in his State of the Province Address during the anniversary program of the 57th Araw ng Davao Oriental and 1st Kabilin Festival on July 1, 2024.
“It will continue to be (strong) because we are one people united as ever para sa banwa ng Davao Oriental (for our home Davao Oriental),” Governor Uy added.
Governor Uy, who assumed office a year ago, attributed the victories of the province to good governance through his programs under the ‘Gobyernong Para Kaninyo’ and to the people of Davao Oriental.
The present administration assumed the post after the passing of the late Governor Corazon Malanyaon on June 28, 2023.
Victories in Social Development
Upon his assumption, Governor Uy hastened the provision of immediate social services assistance to the communities through the establishment of Karamay Centers in the towns of Cateel, Baganga, Caraga, and San Isidro. These centers plus the Social Services Unit (SSU) catered a total of 26,147 clients in 2013 up to present providing assistance equivalent to P 92.7 million.
Another 9,169 residents in far flung barangays also availed of the medical and laboratory services through the Aksyon Panglawas Medical Mission of the provincial government.
Victories in Youth Development
Uy also disclosed that 625 students in the province received P 5,000 each per semester totaling to P 5.2 million in educational assistance, and 407 public schools availed subsidies for Brigada Eskwela support amounting to P1.7 million.
Also to harmonize the programs of sports and youth development, the governor has created the Provincial Sports and Youth Development Office through Executive Order No. 5.
Victories Peace and Order, and Public Safety
Almost two years of being an insurgency free province, the provincial government of Davao Oriental continuously reached out to former conflict affected areas in the province. Through the Davao Oriental Bayanihan, the local government unit brought numerous government services to the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas benefiting a total of 8,246 households in the province.
Governor Uy also boasted that one of the insurgency programs of the province dubbed as Happy Home that caters former rebels in their rehabilitation was recognized as one of the Top 10 Local Government Programs in the Philippines in the Galing Pook Award.
Aside from the Galing Pook, the province was also awarded with Gawad Kalasag as being the Top 1 among the beyond complain provinces in the entire Philippines in relation to disaster preparedness and response.
Victories in Infrastructure
Uy also reported that through the Oplan Karsada, a total of 127.13 kilometers of provincial road, and 105.58 kilometers of barangays roads were opened and constructed.
The local chief executive also said that the provincial government implemented 17 Level III potable water system amounting to P 112.9 million through its Oplan Patubig Program; and installed 2,500 solar lights in Oplan Pailaw program.
Victories in Environmental Development
As a staunch environmental advocate, Governor Uy stressed that he did not signed any new mining permits since his assumption.
“Kini tungod kay hugot ang akong pagtuo nga mabuhi ra ang probinsiya bisan walay operasyon sa mina,” he said. (This is because I firmly believe that the province can still survive even without the mining operations.)
Victories in Economic Development
The governor also announced that the province was recognized as among the Top 10 richest provinces in Mindanao as certified by the Bureau of Local Government Finance, and among the Top 10 fastest-rising economies in the country according to Philippine Statistics Authority.
“Kini nga pag-ila usa ka positibong development human nga makasubo nga pag-ila kanato isip usa sa mga pinaka-pobreng probinsiya sa nasud niadtong 2021,” he said. (These recognitions are positive development after we were regretfully listed as one of the poor provinces in the country in 2021.)
Future Victories
Governor Uy also announced new developments that are coming in the province in the coming years.
He said that the Professional Regulations Commission will open a satellite office in the capitol compound in August this year.
Being also the chair of Regional Development Council, Governor Uy also announced the revival of Mati Airport with a budget of PhP 700 million. Adjacent to the airport, he said, is the army base of the Philippine Air Force. (PIA DAVAO ORIENTAL/MLU)
