By Allen Estabillo
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Nov. 29 (PNA) — Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian-Solon has underscored God-centered governance, synergy of all leaders, and sustainable development as ingredients in attaining prosperity, which should be embraced and understood by heart by every leader even in the grassroots level which is the barangays.
The governor said this during the opening on Thursday of the province’s 21st foundation anniversary celebration and 11th Munato Festival in Alabel town.
Solon vowed to continue to push for more development initiatives in the province within the next three years to complement with the economic rebound being experienced by the area.
He said that for the past years, Sarangani has been making great strides in fostering development, however, he added that “we still need to develop a lot more.”
“Kailangan nating iangat at isulong ang Sarangani dahil ang katotohanan ay kabilang pa tayo sa pinakamahihirap na probinsiya sa ating bansa at hindi natin ito dapat itago (We need to further raise and develop Sarangani because the truth is that, we are still among the poorest provinces in the country and we don’t need to hide that fact),” he said.
“We have a lot of plans and sometimes we tend to forget that all these should be centered towards our Creator. That’s the important thing that we must understand first,” he continued.
Solon said: “Everyone must also take part in development, there should be interaction and cooperation among local leaders.”
The governor further asserted that barangay captains should be ready to the idea of opening up their respective areas to potential investors.
He said they should be aggressive enough because the investments that are set to enter the province will have tremendous impact on the area.
“They will not only bring economic development, but job generation and many people will really benefit from them,” he explained.
Solon added that while welcoming new opportunities from potential investors, everyone should be conscious on how to protect the environment.
“We should have sustainable development, we should protect our natural resources. That is why we are strengthening our Environment Conservation and Protection Center (ECPC) here,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rep. Manny Pacquiao, who also gave a message during the opening program, said that every Sarangan should value excellence to acquire and maintain growth and development.
“We boldly declare that Sarangans are history makers and I believe that to be a history maker, we should be wise in making decisions, we should value excellence so our progress will continue,” he said.
Pacquiao, who won in his recent fight, also extended his thanks to those who supported him. He also administered the oath of office of the newly-elected local barangay officials during the opening program. (PNA)