“We Will Succeed”*

(first of a series)

* State of the Province Address of Aklan of Governor Carlito S. Marquez delivered during the 4th Regular Session held in Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Capitol, Kalibo, Aklan on January 29, 2009.

Mga igmanghud ag ginikanan natong Akeanon: Fellow public servants: from our national agencies, the province, our muni-cipalities, our barangays; our NGO’s, civic clubs and other organizations – good morning!
Our country today is facing a bleak economic future. Powerful nations of the world, the United States of America, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, Middle East, and Southeast Asian countries are suffering the consequences of this economic turmoil. Billions of dollars are needed to pumpprime their respective economies.

Coupled with environmental degradation resulting to global warming brought about by human neglect, God forbid, we are facing the imminent danger of more floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, forest fires and other calamities of catastrophic magnitude never yet experienced by mankind.

It is for this reason that leaders of the world, leaders of our country, of our provinces, cities, municipalities and the barangays should make decisive actions now to correct the situation in order, not only for us to survive, but to race forward and provide a new economic roadmap to free our people from the bondage of poverty.

Typhoon Frank is a classic reminder for all Aklanons to stop the abuse of our environment. It is, therefore, time for us to reinforce our belief and tightly embrace our God, put more strength in our faith in the almighty, as we clear the roadway of economic obstacles.

And today, 222 days after the unforgettable disaster, after the fall, we have risen! Aklan is alive, its economy healthy and vibrant! Ladies and gentlemen the state of the province, our dear province is very good, bullish, and has a very positive outlook.

Once again, let me thank the honorable members of the Sang-guniang Panlalawigan, for the opportunity to start off the New Year with a review of what this admiration has accomplished during the year 2008. (to be continued next issue) /MP