Agbayani: Let's re-unite, For our province's sake

Governor Victor E. Agbayani yesterday thanked his provincemates for the overwhelming support and trust they gave him in the polls, even as he called on Pangasinenses to "put aside our differences for the sake of our province."

" As the father of the province I am extending my hand of friendship and reconciliation to those who opposed me (in the May 10 elections) for the sake of unity," Agbayani said.

Urging the province's political leaders to do the same, the governor underscored the urgent need to continue the work of development and to address the increasing concerns of the people.

"We have no time to spare and so I urge the other leaders of the province to re-unite so that we can continue our battle against poverty," he said.

Agbayani enjoined the candidates and their supporters to respect the will of their constituents and to rise above partisan politics in order to preserve unity and peace in the province and in their respective communities.

The governor said he will reciprocate the overwhelming mandate given him by pursuing with even greater intensity and vigor the various development programs his administration has started, particularly in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure, human resource development, trade, tourism and investment promotion, health and hospital reforms, population management and family planning, environment protection, livelihood assistance to marginal families, as well as peace and order.

In agriculture, he said, the province is set to build and rehabilitate more irrigation facilities, expand the coverage area for hybrid rice population, establish more cooperatives, provide further credit, marketing and training assistance to local farmers and fisherfolk, and put up more post-harvest facilities.

Also, one of the top priorities of the provincial government is the development and promotion of the local tourism industry to create additional jogs and income opportunities for Pangasinenses.

Agbayani said the restoration of the Capitol building to its old grandeur and beauty is in full swing, to be followed by the development of the Maramba Boulevard and the Lingayen beach into major tourist attractions.

Another focus is the establishment of additional cooperatives and small enterprises and expansion of the livelihood assistance program to generate more jobs and incomes for ordinary households.

In the official tally of the Commission on Elections here as of Thursday afternoon, Gov. Agbayani posted a phenomenal lead with 135,983 votes or 92.93 percent of the videos tallied from 13 towns over his opponent Marietta Primicias-Goco who garnered 10,330 votes of 7.06 percent.

Vice Gov. Oscar Lambino was way ahead with 114,922 votes or 88.33 percent, as against his main rival Chris Mendoza who garnered 15,174 votes or 11.66 percent.