‘Marquez’ administration spells a great difference’
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – Expect a jam packed crowd to witness the State of the Province Address (SOPA) of Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez at the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) session hall on January 28.
SP secretary Odon Bandiola said more than 180 guests were invited to grace the 6th SOPA of Marquez at around 9:30 a.m. during the 4th regular session of the provincial council.
“As usual, the Aklan SP secretariat is ready for the SOPA of Governor Marquez. The regular session will be opened by Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo at 9 a.m. before the provincial governor delivers his SOPA that will last for more than one hour,” he said.
Bandiola said the governor will report the achievements of his administration and present his proposed programs, policies and projects for consideration of Aklan SP, pursuant to Section 465, Paragraph (b), (1.i) and (1.iii) of the Local Government Code of 1992.
Among those invited in the SOPA are heads of local and national government agencies, representatives of non-government organizations and people’s organizations, academe and the media.
“The administration of Governor Marquez spells a great difference with the upgrading of Aklan into a first-class province after realizing a P600-million annual income based on the report of the Aklan Provincial Treasurer’s Office last year,” Bandiola said.
As of this year, the annual budget for General Fund and the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) is almost a billion pesos, the 3rd highest provincial budget in Western Visayas.
Inspired by the successful P40-million bond flotation in early 90’s for the construction of the Caticlan jetty port and terminal, the provincial government is also offering a P260-million bond flotation to the public for the expansion of the facilities in Caticlan and Cagban jetty ports involving the reclamation of the foreshore area to accommodate more tourists and visitors for Boracay Island.
“The governor will also mention in the SOPA the accomplishments of the Aklan SP. In the 2007 to 2010 administration of Vice Governor Calizo-Quimpo, the legislative council enacted landmark ordinances, notably, in tourism, investment and incentives, welfare of children and environment,” Bandiola said.
The Aklan SP targets to draft the Code of General Ordinances for approval prior to the May 10, 2010 elections and the Executive-Legislative agenda before the terms of Aklan SP members will end by June 30 this year.