Marquez: Era ENDS On June 30

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

From the second semester of 2004 to the end of the first semester this year, 2013, an era of almost a decade of provincial governance will end.

It is the Gov. Carlito S. Marquez’ era about to end. What is in store for the provincial government of Aklan during the post-Marquez era? It remains to be seen.

Suffice to say, LGU- Aklan’s stability is strengthened through the years within the 3-year-3-terms of Marquez. What will be needed starting July 2013 is to maintain or even increase the momentum of growth and stability Marquez’ administration attained.

I was too privileged as a journalist to chronicle events and developments leading to what Aklan is now since the time of the late former Aklan Gov. Roberto Q. Garcia, through many OIC-Governors during the revolutionary government of Pres. Cory, the late former Gov. Corazon Legaspi Cabagnot, the former Governor now Congressman Joeben Miraflores, until this Marquez time:

- Garcia from 1972-1986, OIC-Governors Tupas, Mobo, Legaspi, Pelayo, Fernandez, Rodriguez and Parohinog from 1986-1988, Cabagnot from 1988-1995, Miraflores from 1995-2004 and Marquez from 2004-2013 -

Marquez era is certainly a standout, having awarded LGU-Aklan’s Seal of Good Housekeeping, 1st runner-up Gawad Pamana ng Lahi and 1st runner up EXCELL Awards in Region Vl. These are among the proofs of his good governance transforming Aklan into a first class province and causing it to join the elite billionaires’ club of LGUs with distinct programs and projects for local economic development truly his own.

Marquez made true former Gov. Cabagnot’s dream of a Kalibo International Airport, Marquez made true Cabagnot’s dream of an Aklan Sports Complex in Calangcang, Makato, Aklan.

Marquez likewise made Miraflores-initiated bond flotation to initially finance the construction of the jetty port in Caticlan, Malay. The Department of Finance’s success story book on fiscal management included the said bond floatation.

I likewise, as a journalist, chronicled events and developments due the performances of our representation in the national legislature:

From the terms of Minister of State for Public Information and Batasan Spokesman Soñing Tumbokon, Assemblyman Paeng Legaspi, Congressman Ramon Legaspi, Congressman Allen S. Quimpo, Congressman Billie Calizo now Quimpo and Aklan Vice Governor and Cong. Joeben Miraflores.

In terms of national legislation, Quimpo was a standout being: the Father of the Aklan State University, the father of DepEd, Father of the CHED, Father of the Science and Technology Scholarship and the TESDA. /MP