On his last term: Tupas to 'restructure' provincial governance
Governor Niel Tupas, Sr. delivers his inaugural address in
the 9th Sangguniang Panlalawigan's maiden session
presided by his estranged nephew Vice Governor Rolex
Suplico.
A. Chris Fernandez photo
Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas, Sr. vowed to spearhead the re-engineering of the provincial government during his last and final term to make it truly responsive to the needs of the Ilonggos.
Tupas made the declaration during his inaugural speech in the maiden session of the ninth Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) yesterday which was presided by his estranged nephew Vice Governor Rolex T. Suplico.
The governor did not mention the specifics of the purported "re-engineering" but he gave emphasis on the strengthening of the provincial government's information technology department.
Tupas likewise told the audience, which include the SP members and the different heads of provincial offices, that in his remaining three years he would continue the fundamental program of his administration which is the eradication of illegal activities like illegal fishing, illegal gambling, cattle rustling, and illegal drugs.
He noted that since he started as governor in 2001 he has made remarkable achievements in the fight against illegal activities in the province.
"I urge members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to become active participants on how we can make the provincial government effective in changing the lives of the people for the better," Tupas stressed.
To note, majority in the present SP are not political allies of the governor. They are: Richard Garin and Macario Napulan of the first district, Arthur Defensor, Jr. and Mariano Malones of the third district, George Demaisip of the fourth district, and Jesus Salcedo of the fifth district.
While, those belonging to the camp of Governor Tupas are board members Rodolfo Cabado and June Mondejar of second district, Shalene Palmares-Hidalgo of the fourth district and Jett Rojas of the fifth district.
Tupas thus called on the SP to let politics sit backstage as they work for the progress of the province. "I look forward to working closely with you in the pursuit of our common goals," the governor told the provincial board.
Suplico, for his part, accepted the governor's call to work together and set aside politics for the welfare of the entire Ilonggo people.
"We will stand by our role as legislators of the province. The election is over we can assure the people that we will be working for them," he said.
Meanwhile, both Tupas and Suplico showed civility with each other after the governor's inaugural speech with Suplico shaking hands with his aunt Myrna, the governor's wife, and several members of the Tupas family.