Defensor: Reform and change, now a reality

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“Reform and change is not just a political statement; it is now a reality.”

This remark was expressed by Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. as he cited the gains and achievements of his administration after two years in his State of the Province Address (Sopa) delivered at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall on August 8.

Defensor’s 45-minute speech was aired live over three major radio stations in Iloilo City and was viewed simultaneously via four widescreens installed on the sixth, fourth, second and ground floors of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol by provincial government employees and guests.

Defensor expressed confidence that under his “reform and change” agenda he had reclaimed the people’s trust, respect and faith in the provincial government.

The governor states in his Sopa that under his administration, the province has had savings over P100 million made possible by the province's procurement system he himself instituted. He also boasted upgrading of hospitals under his government and he had ensured the enrollment of 71,209 families to PhilHealth by releasing P73.3 million funds for the said motion. Defensor also cited the successful campaign against illegal fishing activities in the province. In terms of agriculture, Iloilo now ranked third among the rice producing provinces in the country, a feat that earned us the province “Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards 2011” and a four-million peso prize from the Department of Agriculture.

The Governor also mentioned in his Sopa his pet project which is the restoration of the Old Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Full script of the Sopa can be downloaded in PDF version here.

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