Dinagat Islands elected officials commit to bring province at forefront of nat’l dev’t
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The elected officials of Dinagat Islands committed to bring the province at the forefront of national development.
Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., during the recent oath-taking ceremony in San Jose, Dinagat Islands, outlined the priorities of the province that are aligned with the national agenda of the current administration.
Demerey, serving his second term as governor, promised to support key projects that will decrease inflation in the province and push for more employment and economic activities such as the development of economic and tourism zones to attract investors and generate more jobs; improved access to sustainable water, electricity and internet connectivity; conservation and protection of its watershed areas; housing units to low income households; construction of more offices for employees, including the realization of the Surigao City –Nonoc Island – Dinagat – Leyte road network.
“Possible man di nga ang Dinagat Islands mahimong competitive ug mailhan sa tibook Pilipinas (It is possible that Dinagat Islands will become competitive and be known to the entire country),” Gov. Demerey said, affirming his advocacy on uplifting the smaller and remote communities which will spur development in larger cities and provinces.
“Magtinabangay kitang tanan alang sa pagpadayon sa atong nasugdan para sa 128, 117 nga mga Dinagatnon (Let us help each other so we can continue the good works that we have started to benefit the 128, 117 Dinagatnons),” he added. He promised to sustain the efforts on social and medical services, including zero hospital billing through the Remedy Aksyon Center.
Also, Vice Governor Geraldine ‘Jade’ B. Ecleo thanked their constituents for the trust and confidence during the recent midterm local election.
Newly elected Congressional Representative Arlene ‘Kaka’ J. Bag-ao of the lone district of Dinagat Islands expressed firm support to the provincial government especially in the implementation of key projects like the extension campus of Surigao del Norte State University, establishment of more banks, completing the circumferential roads, construction of more bridges, the re-opening of the Basilisa Hospital, among others.
The newly elected officials of Dinagat Islands formally assumed their posts on June 30 in a ceremony led by Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno who administered the oath of office of the provincial officials and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Also as guest of honor of the said ceremonial oath-taking, Sec. Magno said, “Rest assured that MinDA remains a steadfast partner of the province in building a better Dinagat Islands, a better Mindanao.” (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)
