Assurance of Steady Economic Source of Power

(Last Part)

(Ed’s Note: State of the Province Address of Gov. Marquez delivered on January 25, 2006 at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, Kalibo, Aklan.)


EEDD OPERATIONALIZATION

We have phenomenally increased revenue generation of the provincial government to narrow the gap between our budgetary income projection and actual revenue generation last year, Another significant factor is human resource management and development which has kept in tune to executive policy of keeping the provincial government work force trimmed to the barest minimum without sacrificing quality and responsiveness to public service. We took caution in the hiring of casual, job orders and contractual employees and restaurant in filling-up existing vacancies with the periodic assessment of cash flow as main determinant. We did it through the provincial human resource management office with the cooperation of all government department heads.
Transparency in the conduct of our provincial general services office was maintained and improvements were sought through the full implementation of Republic Act No. 9184 otherwise known as the government procurement reform act in the procurement of goods, materials for infrastructure projects and consulting services. We became updated in the preservation of the provincial government assets and properties by being current in its inventory including utilization and registration of all motor vehicles. Through this, we had realized income of more than half a million pesos in the sale of bid documents whose rates were updated through a provincial ordinance passed by this august body. Two hundred projects were bidded for hospital supplies and INFRA projects last year. Hospital supplies themselves accounted for about ten million pesos worth.
This year, in the execution of our 2006 annual budget in the general fund and in the EEDD, the preparation of which was spearheaded by our provincial budget office in cooperation with other provincial government departments composing the provincial finance committee, our last measure for fine execution is whether we can balance appropriation outlays with income actually generated. We collect less and we must spend less. We collect as much and we spend as much. And for these, we need the constant review and evaluation of our provincial accountant and provincial treasurer. We can see in the completion of the general revision of real properties by the provincial assessor a hefty increase in income out of real property taxes. Balanced budget indeed is the need. And to effectively accomplish the objectives of the economic enterprise development department, we have to purchase major hospital equipment such as a CT Scan, an ultrasound machine, complete laboratory facilities and the full computerization of the hospital operation in addition to the already approved computerization program for real estate tax collection. We calculate that this information technology application must have a payback period of not more than 3 years to be viable. We shall be appropriating about P50 million for additional hospital equipment and information technology program acquisition.
ELECTRIC POWER
All our development strides, however, will come to naught if we do not have assurance of a steady and economic source of power.
To successfully attain our objectives for agriculture and tourism for instance and, thus, reduce poverty through employment generation, we have to industrialize agriculture. We need to put up factories and food/agri processing plants. For this we need electric power generation. Cheaper and sustainable power.
In line with our open-arms invitation to all investors, especially, in the area of power, we welcome the entry of MIRANT as a power supplier but its two plants’ (New Washington and Nabas) 12.5 MW capacity is not enough and we need to have a long-term solution to power shortage crisis even.
Thus our current and earnest efforts to finally implement the long-standing proposal of a hydropower plant at Timbaban in Madalag which will supply us low-cost electricity as long as our rivers continue to flow. West Japan Engineering consultants has already completed an updated feasibility study and PNOC shall be filing an ECC application with the DENR. We are waiting, However, for the enactment of a law exempting the Timbaban area from the NIPAS (National Integrated Protected Areas System). Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores is set to file the bill next week.
A run–of-river type of power generation project, the Timbaban Hydropower Plant will have a maximum output of 29.1 MW, more power than Aklan and Boracay need, thus the possibility of the plant supplying the power requirements of neighboring provinces.
Along with this, we hold on to the view that our Electric Cooperative, the AKELCO, be a true cooperative, power company that is truly owned, managed, and operated by the consumers. For a supplier of a very basic service to be responsive to the needs of it’s clientele it must be owned by them. We are confident that the commitment of the board of directors to either register with the Cooperative Development Authority or with the Securities and Exchange Commission as stock corporation this June 2006 will materialize.
May I also express my commendation to our Law Enforcement Agencies spearheaded by the Philippine National Police under Supt. William S. Macavinta, the Philippine Army and Col. Perez, the coast guard and all other law enforcement agencies for the ideal peace and order condition prevailing in this Province very particularly during the two Presidential visits and this year’s Ati- Atihan Festival.
Lastly, may I thank Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, the National Government Department heads and employees, our very own Provincial Government Department heads and employees, Vice Governor Tolentino and the Honorable SP members, former Congressman Allen S. Quimpo, and all sectors in Aklan, people’s and non- government organizations in the province and all Aklanons for their very valuable help and cooperation.

My special thanks to our Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Led by:

Vice Governor. Kel Tolentino
SP Steven Fuentes
SP Daisy Briones
SP Plaridel Morania
SP Sonny Regalado
SP Eriberto Venus
SP Pete Garcia
SP Gerick Templonuevo
SP Selwyn Ibarreta
SP Jose Yap
SP Ramon Gelito
SP PCL REP. President, Franklin Quimpo
SP REP. ABC Federation President, Ananias Solina
SP SK Federation President Rep. Kaizan Victor Fernandez

Your support in the passage of landmark legislations is highly appreciated and recognized. I know that you are a part of that dream.
God has entrusted to us that dream, and when we believe in His Almighty power, we will survive…and Aklanons will survive.
Thank you, and good morning.