Editorial

by Ernesto T. Solidum

Visually For Globally Competitive Aklan

I read with apprehension and dismay our huge debt of P579.294 million as of 2004. Until this time after paying the principal and interest with PNB and LBP we still have outstanding balance of P394.46 million (MP related story on Nov. 25 – Dec. 1, 2012 issue). In order to manage this debt, the province under Gov. Carlito S. Marquez has put up a budget of P1.19 billion for FY 2013 to be spend as follows: subsidy to LGU’s – P25.25 million, NGOs, Pos – P3 million, donations – P7 million, scholarship – P25.087 million, indigency program – P9 million, intelligence expenses – P9 million and sports development – P2 million. Actual budget under the Office of the Provincial Governor including Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) total P172.301 million said SP Secretary Odon S. Bandiola. 

The current debt servicing of Aklan’s outstanding loan of P394.46 million is equivalent to 39.0 percent of the total budget. Based on economic performance particularly the EEDD, only Jetty Port Caticlan is profitable, the rest like School of Nursing, DRSTMH, Provincial Sports Center are operating in the red. The Jetty Port Reclamation project called Caticlan Recovery project funded by bond floatation of P160 million has been issued Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO) by Supreme Court. Despite obvious funding shortages, there is deliberate spending on Capitol Main Building improvement project amounting to P53.625 million.

Analysis shows that the majority of provincial expenditures are on infra that are practically non-performing. On the other hand, the socio-economic thrust like creating stable, progressive agriculture and fisheries is a mere token. The P10.8 million budget for agriculture is lamentable. Gov. Marquez must consider the plight of farmers who are in abject poverty and misery. Of the total area of 17,120 hectares planted to rice, only 6,712 hectares or 39.2 percent are irrigated. How can they avail of funding assistance given the high cost of production inputs like seeds and fertilizers? Similarly, our poultry and livestock raisers must content with stiff competition from other provinces like Iloilo, Capiz, Negros Occ., Cebu, and Batangas.

To increase rice production, existing communal irrigation systems must be rehabilitated. It must be recalled that Secretary Proceso Alcala targets 7.1 percent increase from 3.0 percent annual increase in rice production in order to achieve self sufficiency not only next year but on a sustainable basis. Data show that rainfed farms have marginal production with only one cropping a year.

Evidently, a balance between infra projects and agriculture must be instituted to meet domestic demands of local population and the tourism industry. For instance, huge capital investment on infra projects like Jetty Port improvement must be matched with the same allocation for the agriculture sector. It is the presence of this skewed arrangement that farmers lack the incentive to produce food requirements (like meat, eggs, fish, fruits and vegetables) for high end tourists market. With inadequate supply to meet market demand results to high prices. Nevertheless, Aklan farmers have the comparative advantage over other provinces. 

Mr. Niven Maquirang, Administrator of Caticlan Jetty Port once told a provincial tourism stakeholders’ brainstorming and tasking workshop last November 14 that there is likelihood that foreign tourists may shift their travel destination to Caticlan instead of Kalibo International Airport. This is understandable since Caticlan is much closer to Boracay and would eliminate extra time, hassle and expenses in going to Boracay. 

Please note that there is no clear budget for tourism when this is one of two priorities of Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez. At issue is our marketing strategy for mainland Aklan tourist destinations aside from Boracay. High end tourist resorts  developed in Jawili, Tangalan are catering to beach and nature adventurers. Quaint mangrove eco-park exist in Naisud, Ibajay while exciting dive sites are in Buruanga. The list is endless. This is one gray area where our leaders talk of big gains in the business yet expends practically nothing. This is the reason why we have cranky receptionists at Caticlan Jetty port. Other tourists destinations like Puerto Princesa and Cebu cities have tourism officers who passed rigid mental and physical exams. Here in Aklan, they are hired on the basis on whom do you know.  There is no scientific recruitment process followed. This omission portrays our lack of sensitivity to our travelers especially tourists. They say first impression is lasting. 

Do we have a sustainable and aggressive program of governance? None for sure. Budget mirrors the planned program has encountered a sinkhole. To extricate from this predicament, imposition of higher taxes and/or selling at public auction of real estate properties with unpaid taxes may be resorted to. Such a bitter pill is unpalatable since next year coincides with midterm elections. However the newly elected Governor must be reminded of the provincial vision – “prosperous Aklan where empowered citizens live amidst a well anchored vibrant economy where agro ecotourism developments are globally competitive”. Practically this is clear unequivocal mandate for positive action. Leaders must rise up to the challenge of a globally competitive Aklan. Otherwise, Aklan will remain a poverty–stricken province. /MP