Gov. delivers “double treat” to Mabini and Agno

Lingayen- - -“After five years of service we have proven enough to show that we love our province and we care for the sick and poor Pangasinenses. I urge everyone to join us in our crusade in bringing back the glory days of our local arts and culture and in providing comfort to the less privilege sector of our society.”

This was the statement of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. during the distribution of Philhealth cards to indigent heads of families and turnover of tourism and information kiosk to local officials held October 29 in Mabini in the morning and Agno town in the afternoon.

The Governor said that the provincial government, since 2007, has engaged in various development programs and projects that have transformed Pangasinan to its present state.

“Two years ago, we were cited as number five best province in the entire country but last year we were accorded as number four best performing local government unit,” Gov. Espino noted as he added that this only shows that his administration is performing a cut above the rest contrary to what his political detractors say.

“Sabi nila, wala daw akong nagawa. Sinira daw namin ang environment dahil doon sa sinasabi nilang black sand mining samantalang Hall of Famer Awardee ang Pangasinan sa Coastal Resource and Development,” the governor said, as he recalled that he spearheaded the launching of the “Save the Lingayen Gulf (SLING)” movement in 1994 during his tenure as the Provincial Police Director of Pangasinan.

Gov. Espino likewise pointed out that the province was cited as the “best” in terms of enhanced hospital management contrary to claims of his detractor that health services had gone worse. “Nag-increase ng sobra-sobra ang dami ng pasyente sa ating mga government hospitals which means na very satisfied ang publiko sa hospital services natin,” he said.

The province has distributed anew some 931 health insurance cards in Mabini while 351 were given to indigent heads of families in Agno.

“It is a small card yet its benefits are large enough to secure the needs of sick and poor Pangasinenses,” Gov. Espino said.

Meanwhile, both LGUs were awarded with tourism and information kiosk composed of a movable panel equipped with 42” LCD TV, DVD player and CDs, and one unit of computer set which will be placed in the lobby area of the municipal hall.

“This will be very useful so that informational video will be seen by visitors and the local residents. Bibigyan namin ang lahat ng bayan ng tourism kiosk to provide public access to information regarding the province and their town. Pwede rin gumawa ng sariling video ang bawat barangay or school para maipanood nila sa mga bisita at maipakita ang magagandang tanawin, kultura at mga activities ng bawat isa,” the Governor said.

Mabini Mayor Carlitos Reyes and Agno Mayor Jose Pajeta, Jr. thanked the Governor and Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. for the support that their towns have been continuously receiving since 2007 such as infrastructure projects specifically the improvement of farm-to-market roads among others.