Aklan gov to deliver his SOPA, declares the province is 'strong and healthy'

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

A day before he delivers his 7th State of the Province Address (SOPA) to his constituents, Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez declares the province of Aklan 'strong and healthy' / PHOTO BY BOY RYAN ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Governor Carlito Marquez will deliver his State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall on February 2.

The third-term governor highlights the projects accomplishments and program agenda in tourism, peace and order, fiscal performance, education, social services, agriculture, job generation, environment, sports, health and medical services, among others.

Marquez has given some tip-off as to what to expect in his 7th State of the Province Address in a provincewide television and radio coverage on Wednesday morning. Although there will be focus on key achievements for 2010, Aklanons will be listening closely to Governor Marquez as he outlines his programs and fresh agenda for the province.

To be sure, he has always been grateful to the members of Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the leadership of regular presiding officer Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo for every piece of legislations in pursuing more development for the people.

The provincial board has approved the largest annual budget in the history of Aklan, almost a billion pesos, and has enacted landmark ordinances for the constituents.

"The first indicator is the state of economy of our province. The budget increases every year for the delivery of basic services, health care services for our people and scholarship grants to the poor but deserving students. The state of the province, this year and the upcoming year, is strong and healthy," Marquez said.

Marquez also stressed that he will report the ongoing projects, especially in the flagship areas of agriculture and tourism that bring more investments and employment opportunities to the province.

Citing the dynamic performance of tourism, regional and local airlines with direct and charter flights from South Korea, China and Taiwan to Kalibo International Airport continue to contribute immensely to the influx of inbound travelers.

The province likewise remains a rice surplus producer despite the agriculture sector was affected by El Nino phenomenon.

At 9 a.m. on Wednesday, the governor will be addresing a crowd composed of provincial board members, local chief executives, provincial government department heads, media, heads of national government agencies, socio-civic and political leaders, academe and government employees.