BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (July 2)—Gov. Carlos Padilla has challenged the provincial government leaders to brace for economic difficulties, like the reduction of internal revenue allotment (IRA) by 14 percent or P300 million, which are expected to beset the province for the next three years.
In his inaugural speech on Thursday, June 30, Padilla noted some events and problems that can affect and be an obstacle to the progress in their laid-out program called “Prayers and Faith.”
Thus, Padilla is calling on his fellow elected provincial officials to face and overcome these challenges by strengthening their unity and their ranks.
“[This is so] because even without a crisis if we remain divided, we will not be able to advance our programs to achieve what our ancestors expect of us for the good future of our children,” Padilla said.
The governor, along with Vice Gov. Jose Gambito, took his oath of office in ceremonies, attended by the reelected and newly elected members of the provincial board at the Convention Center here. They were also joined by some outgoing elected officials.
The elected provincial officials were sworn into office by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Dominica Dumangeng Rosario of Branch 27, Judge Paul Attolba Jr. of Branch 30, and Bayombong RTC Executive Judge Cicero Jandoc.
Padilla pointed out that the decrease in IRA was a result of the decreased national tax collection which the local government has to prepare for.
He also mentioned other problems like the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, as well as dengue, among other diseases.
“We have also felt the effects of the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia which resulted in rising prices of oil, flour, and other commodities and the continued depreciation of the peso against the dollar,” Padilla said.
He mentioned the problem that has beset the province is the severe blow that the rice tariffication law has inflicted on the lives of farmers resulting in the low price of palay (unmilled rice), the rising prices of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs.
He said the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF), armyworms and other pests on diverse crops in this vegetable bowl province remains.
However, Padilla noted that the impact of Executive Order 138, Series of 2021, on devolution resulting from the Mandanas Ruling by the Supreme Court is expected to increase the services to be provided by the national government to local governments.
“With these concerns at hand, we need to strengthen our unity and resolve to hurdle these challenges. It is only when we are firmly united that we can overcome these problems for the welfare of Novo Vizcayanos,” Padilla said.
He noted that whatever political issues that divided them during the campaign period should be set aside now that there are more important things to be tackled rather than bicker among themselves.
“Let us work together for the next three years. Let us bear in mind that when we end our term, we will be asked by our constituents what we have done for them and not why we fight each other,” he said.
Meanwhile, Padilla said a dialogue between the executive and legislative branches of the provincial government will be convened to define and agree on a common development agenda for local governance.
He said a meeting of the management committee of the provincial government will also be called to craft the annual budget of the provincial government.
“By having a continuing consultation between the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (the local legislative branch) and the local chief executive branch will ensure synchronized support for the delivery of basic services, programs and projects of the provincial government for Novo Vizcayanos,” Padilla added.