Tibyog - Kusog Merge As United Leadership Coalition

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Current political development, 5-year Investment Plan for Health and latest legislative agenda are hot topics discussed during the press conference at Café Latté, Andagao during Kapehan Sa Aklan held on September 12, 2009. Cong. Joeben T. Miraflores, Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo were the resource persons.
In a prepared statement read by former Aklan solon Atty. Allen S. Quimpo revealed, leaders of both Tibyog and Kusog political parties have forged into a United Leadership Coalition for the forthcoming 2010 elections.

This unprecedented show of unity, vision and mission covers the position of Congress-man, Governor, Vice Governor and Western District Panlalawigan slots. It is expected that other political leaders will follow suit in a dramatic move to end years of divisive and destructive politics in the province of Aklan. While some details of the coalition are yet to be finalized, Marquez said that the selection process of fielding candidates will be based on equity of the incumbent with some exceptions.

Gov. Marquez declared that key to this agreement are daunting challenges on poverty alleviation, jobs creation, and conservation of the environment. It also considered continuity of on-going socio-economic program particularly road, airport infra, tourism and agriculture development. He pointed out that Aklan has steadily advanced from 4th class status five (5) years ago to 1st class province today.

The 5 year Provincial Investment Plan for Health (2009-2013) has been approved and funded under a joint agreement (50-50 equity) with the European Union. The total amount of P1.04 billion will be used to upgrade hospital facilities, equipment, and manpower training. Marquez envisioned that health care cost will be more affordable and available even as universal health care/medicare beneficiaries are expanded.

Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo cited important legislation approved such as the Tourism Code, Environ-mental Code and Children’s Code (both in their final draft) and Code of Ordinance (under delibe-ration). To expedite session and proceedings, high information technology gadgets are installed that will allow paperless sessions including uploading on Aklan SP website.

Commenting on the political union, the lady Vice Governor mentioned that Aklan needs sustained development and forceful leadership. "We simply can not do this if our leaders’ visions are fragmented. At least we have achieved political maturity within this context".

Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores also echoed the above sentiments maintaining that the "marriage" is not based on convenience but commitment to the ideals of governance.

The Aklan solon said that "upgrading of both Kalibo and Caticlan airports into international status are on stream with some modifications. Based on benefit–cost analysis, lengthening of Kalibo International Airport runway North-east to Pook would be more expensive than extending to Southwest direction of Tigayon". He also debunked claims by Berosil, an environmentalist group that Caticlan airport lacks ECC papers for runway extension.

Issues and concerns were numerous on the United Leadership Coalition. Reservations and skepticisms were aired on the ability of coalition to endure considering previous deep seated antagonism and debacles. Certainly, the ability of party leadership to unite and manage will be tested on its Eastern sector Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and the fate of the 17 municipal mayors, vice mayors, and SB members of respective towns.

While the United Leadership Coalition is a powerful party to contend with in the May 2010 local elections, will this signal the end of healthy, constructive opposition? How can the public be assured of quality legislation or programs that are based on needs, problems, and aspirations of the people?

As regards the national political leaders, the coalition agreed to respect their individual choices to support such as the president, vice president and senators.

Response to the above questions can only be gauged by its performance, integrity and capability. Voters must decide on these crucial factors if they want real leaders and a better life ahead. /MP