Marquez to deliver SOPA

BY ULYSSES ESPARTERO
KALIBO, Aklan – Gov. Carlito S. Marquez is scheduled to deliver his State of the Province Address (SOPA) during the 4th Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on January 24, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. at the SP Session Hall.

Vice Gov Ronquillo C. Tolentino said that heads of provincial offices, national agencies, municipal mayors, the media and service organizations were invited to the said session

In the session, the governor shall present his administration’s proposed programs, policies and projects for consideration of the body pursuant to Section 465, paragraph (b), (1) and (iii) of the Local Government Code of 1991.

The governor is also expected to report on the achievements of his administration in year 2006.

Among his accomplishments, Marquez is credited for the operation of the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) now headed by Rex Victor Victor Consemino.

This department puts into economic or revenue generating activity the provincial hospital also known as Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital and the districts hospitals of Altavas and Ibajay, the Caticlan Jetty Port and Cagban Port in Malay, the ABL Sports Complex and the Aklan Training Center now known as the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center.

In the field of agriculture, Marquez was able to introduce major innovation in rice production using the hybrid rice variety from Phil Rice and appropriated P3 million as financial support for this program.

The governor also through the Caticlan Jetty Port and RORO Terminal headed by its administrator, Architect Niven Maquirang intensified the collection of terminal fee at the CJPRT and as such, 71 percent significant increase in revenue was recorded in the total amount of P30.6 million.