Leyte gov’t vows to step up support to villages

TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 8 (PNA) – The provincial government here vowed to use the PhP2.85-billion 2016 budget to strengthen its support to villages in the province.

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla made this announcement when he met local officials from the towns of Babatngon, San Miguel, Tanauan, Tolosa, Dulag and Julita.

Petilla also assured them that even if some village officials may support opponents of the ruling political party, they will still receive assistance from the province.

Village officials are the front liners in government service, a reason they should be given enough support, according to Petilla.

“Election is only good for one day. You’re providing services to your constituents every day. Before they come to us, they will first go to you and asked for your help, which is why we should always at your back, supporting you and giving you assistance,” said Petilla.

Under the watch of the provincial government are 1,393 villages in 41 towns and one city.

Giving importance to the development of every village in the province has been the priority of previous governors of Leyte, which Petilla continues through his More Income in Countryside-Program or MIC-P.

The initiative primarily focuses on agriculture promoting high-value crops production.

The program is a continuation of the ICOT-P project of his brother, former Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, who is now seeking a seat in the Senate.

Petilla assured village officials that he will not just support them, but also regularly visits even those remote villages to personally check the situation of the community. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA