TARLAC CITY—Gov. Susan A. Yap stressed she wants an inclusive growth and human development to sustain the economic progress and limit the effects of poverty in this northernmost Central Luzon province.
Yap, in her first State of the Province Address (Sopa) on Thursday, said she will push for decent work and economic growth for the benefit of her 1,366,027 constituents (2015 census).
“People are the first priority,” Yap said at least thrice in her speech at the Provincial Board (PB) session hall during the PB’s regular session presided by Vice Gov. Carlito S. David.
Yap said she will push for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for three years. Included in the SGDs are no poverty; quality education; good health and well-being; and zero hunger.
“Our goal is for inclusive growth: No Tarlaqueño is to be left behind. Our governance will be characterized by people’s participation in good governance, responsible leadership and sustainable development, and equal opportunity for all,” said Yap, a first-term governor and former representative. She said leaders should not lack “passion” when serving their people.
Yap said, “I envision Tarlac to be a haven for investors and investments to further develop our local economy.” She said their province is on its way to becoming an investment destination.
She vowed to promote economic zones and the Clark Green City, located within the Clark Special Economic Zone in Tarlac province. It covers 9,450 hectares. The ambitious project costing P607 billion is managed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
Yap said she will review the real-property tax outdated since 1960. She will start a computerization system of the capitol’s operation.
She said they will construct a new “green” capitol building in the same area, replacing the more than 100-year-old facility.
Yap said they are proud of the recent economic gains, as Tarlac ranked the top 5 province in the country in generating locally sourced revenue in 2014 and 2015. She credited her brother, former Tarlac governor and now Second District Rep. Vic Yap, for the huge taxes gained in his last two full years at the province’s helm.
The locally generated taxes amounted to around P350 million in 2014, the Provincial Information Office said.
Representative Yap prioritized health and livelihood when he was governor from 2007 to 2016.
The provincial government is infusing P252 million for the Tarlac Provincial Hospital, P90 million for the La Paz Hospital, P20 million for the Gilberto Teodoro Hospital and P175 million for the Concepcion Hospital. The amount totals P537 million.
Governor Yap said, “Our province is beautiful,” adding that he will further improve their tourism destination, including the Timmanguyob Falls in San Clemente and the Mount Pinatubo trek via Santa Juliana in Capas.
“Our food is delicious,” Governor Yap said, adding that they are investing heavily on education, infrastructure, ecotourism development and manpower training.
Asked for his comment, First District Rep. Charlie Cojuangco said Governor Yap’s Sopa “is very impressive, simple, concise, direct to the point and very easy to understand.” He added, “I am hoping the lady governor will meet her targets for the province mentioned in her speech.”
Cojuangco, son of businessman Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., said he will prioritize the improvement of the agriculture production in his district.
Governor Yap said she is also supporting all-out the renewed campaign against illegal drugs spearheaded by President Duterte. She vowed to construct a new drug-rehabilitation center.
Image credits: Leo Villacarlos