Tupas sets priorities for 2006
Iloilo -- Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr. wanted to start the New Year with a bang so he lined up his priority programs/projects for this year.
To attain all these priorities, the Iloilo provincial government has earmarked some P147,730,431.80 for this year intended for social development, economic development, and environmental management.
In his New Year greetings to the employees during the flag ceremony on Monday, the governor stressed that he will put more teeth to eradicate all illegal activities in the province such as illegal gambling, illegal fishing and cattle rustling.
The improvement of health services in all district hospitals in the province will also be given a great precedence to expunge the false impression that government hospitals render low quality service to the Ilonggos.
As of the present, the 11 district hospitals and 1 provincial hospital are being manpowered by 136 physicians, 255 nurses, 450 midwives, 110 rural sanitary inspectors, 52 dentists, 15 nutritionists/dieticians, 65 medical technologists, 14 pharmacists, 2 health educators, 1 sanitary engineer and 7,933 barangay health workers. There are also 42 municipal health centers and 405 barangay health stations.
He said the province will hire this year additional hospital personnel particularly anesthesiologist for each district hospital. The governor also reported that in the past years, new buildings were constructed, emergency wards, and operating rooms were repaired and hospital equipment was purchased.
The provincial government has also implemented various health programs to help reduce the prevalence and communicable and non-communicable diseases. Records from the Provincial Health Office showed that health status indicators in 2004 have improved compared to the past years statistical reports.
Agriculture continued to be one of the priority areas of Governor Tupas. Rice production recorded at its best highest peak for the last 10 years. Average rice production of 4.046 metric tons per hectare
It can be recalled that Iloilo is second rice producer in the country next to Nueva Ecija.
Tupas also reminded the employees to uphold the image of the capitol through efficient and speedy services in attending the needs of those who transacting business at the capitol.
He said the employees should take care of the needs of visitors/clientele and "satisfying them of what they want."
The governor said he wanted to create the image of the capitol as friendly institution not only in the province of Iloilo but also in its neighboring provinces. (Capitol News)