By Nimfa Estrellado Mayor Mark Don Victor Alcala and Governor Angelina Tan LUCENA CITY - Governor Angelina Tan and Mayor Mark Don Victor Al...
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| Mayor Mark Don Victor Alcala and Governor Angelina Tan |
LUCENA CITY - Governor Angelina Tan and Mayor Mark Don Victor Alcala both prioritize improving the overall well-being of their constituents and building a better future for Lucena City as the capital and Quezon Province as a whole. They understand the importance of addressing the pressing issues faced by the people in their respective areas, such as infrastructure development, healthcare services, and education.
One is the first ever elected woman governor of Quezon Province, and the other is the first elected young mayor of Lucena City, and both have brought new perspectives and innovative ideas to their leadership roles.
Tan has been instrumental in implementing sustainable development projects, while Alcala has focused on empowering the youth and promoting inclusive governance. Together, they are working towards creating a vibrant and progressive Lucena City and the Quezon Province that caters to the needs of all its residents.
Governor Angelina Tan for her commitment to changing, healing, and prospering the province of Quezon
In her first State of the Province Address (SOPA), dubbed Ulat sa Lalawigan and held at the Quezon Convention Center on July 31, 2023, Quezon Governor Angelina Tan, the governor doctor, highlighted her administration's progress and achievements in meeting the needs of the people.
Governor Tan emphasized the significant improvements made in infrastructure development, with the completion of several road and bridge projects that have enhanced connectivity within the province.
She highlighted the expansion and enhancement of healthcare services, including the establishment of new hospitals and the implementation of various health programs aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for all residents.
Through the programs and projects under the HEALING Agenda, which include Health, Education, Agriculture, Livelihood, Infrastructure, Nature and Environment/Tourism, and Good Governance, as well as the Self-Effort Program, the foundation is laid for the stable, comfortable, and secure future of the people of Quezon.
According to the governor, they have implemented various programs and initiatives to ensure that public service is efficient and accessible to all residents. The governor also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in their governance, as they strive to build trust and confidence among the people they serve.
Health care has also improved significantly in the province, with the government investing in state-of-the-art medical facilities and hiring skilled healthcare professionals. They have also launched campaigns to promote preventive healthcare and provide affordable healthcare options for all residents, regardless of their income level. These efforts have resulted in better overall health outcomes and increased satisfaction among the people.
Among the health-related programs implemented is the Province-Wide Health System Integration in collaboration with the DOH for continuous and more stimulated healthcare services of public healthcare providers and facilities under the province's Primary Care Providers Networks, which will be bridged to secondary and tertiary care facilities. In addition, the Konsultasyon Sulit and Tama, or Konsulta Package, was launched in Quezon, one of the country's five (5) pilot LGUs in collaboration with PhilHealth.
Continuous adjustment of the system, services, facilities, and new equipment in the Quezon Medical Center (QMC) and public hospitals in different towns in the province conducting primary care services is essential to ensuring that the healthcare needs of the community are met effectively. This includes free surgery and medical procedures for indigent patients, as well as the provision of essential medications and laboratory tests.
She also stated that collaboration with other healthcare institutions and organizations was key to the health program's success. Through collaborations, the program is able to broaden its reach and provide a broader range of services to the community.
Under education, "Project KID BIBO: Quezonian Youth to One Direction: Reading and Numeracy," as well as the implementation of the "One Family, One College Graduate Full Scholarship Program" and the "Priority Courses Scholarship and Return Service Program" this School Year 2023-2024, aim to address the educational needs of the youth in Quezon City.
Project KID BIBO focuses on improving reading and numeracy skills among young students, while the scholarship programs aim to provide financial assistance to deserving individuals pursuing higher education. These initiatives are crucial in ensuring that the youth have access to quality education and opportunities for a brighter future.
In order to support farmers and increase agricultural productivity in Quezon, the Provincial Agriculture Office has implemented a number of programs and projects.
These include providing training and technical assistance, promoting sustainable farming practices, and facilitating access to credit and market opportunities. Additionally, these programs and projects aim to improve infrastructure in rural areas.
Recovery of the pig industry in the province from the impact of African swine Fever (ASF) has been a priority for the Provincial Agriculture Office and fisherfolk consultations have been conducted to identify strategies for sustainable growth. Efforts have also been made to diversify agricultural activities and explore alternative sources of income for farmers affected by ASF.
With the help of the Provincial Sangguniang, Governor Tan's request to form the Quezon Economic Development, Investment Promotion, Employment, and Cooperative Office was passed, an office that will oversee the economic development and expansion of investment opportunities in Quezon.
In her SOPA, she mentioned that her office will also be in charge of promoting employment and cooperative efforts in the region by working with local businesses and organizations to create job opportunities and foster economic growth.
The governor also stated that her office will actively seek partnerships with educational institutions to develop training programs that are aligned with workforce needs, ensuring a skilled and competitive labor market in the region.
Several roads and bridges have been built to improve transportation and connectivity within the province, and 29 more are expected to be completed this year, funded by the provincial government.
About 300 million pesos worth of the project is currently being done at the Quezon Medical Center, while about 67 million pesos have been allocated for the rehabilitation of the Claro M. Recto Memorial District Hospital.
According to the governor, before the end of this year, three major projects will be initiated, which include the large and more modern Quezon Preparedness Operations Center with an initial funding of 70 million pesos, Bahay Pag-asa to respond to the needs of Children in Conflict with the law, and the Capitol's new Central Warehouse.
The strict implementation of quarrying regulations in the province, where 17 Cease and Desist Orders have also been issued by the PMRB and eleven (11) of them have completely stopped illegal mining. Through the CURE Program of the Provincial Tourism Office, the continued rise of tourism in the province is expected.
Part of the advocacy for good governance is ensuring the participation of People's Organizations in various aspects of governance in Quezon.
The Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program was strengthened, which benefited approximately 84,834 individuals and distributed over 227 million pesos in financial aid.
In addition, the government implemented stricter regulations and penalties for illegal mining activities to further deter such practices in the province.
Because of the prudent spending of provincial funds, the Commission on Audit (COA) was awarded the first Unmodified Opinion in the financial audit they did for the provincial government.
Governor Tan admitted that she is still far from reaching the dream of a simple but comfortable life for every citizen, but it is heading in the direction and purpose of management, which is initiated through reforms, changes, and the development of the right policies, programs, and projects.
The governor finishes her SOCA by promising she will continue to work tirelessly to improve the lives of the citizens and ensure transparency and accountability in the government's financial management.
She promised unwavering commitment to the change, healing, and prosperity of the province of Quezon, just as she had done throughout her political career.
Mayor Mark Don Victor Alcala a young leader with impact and a strong vision for the future
Lucena City Mayor Mark Don Victor Alcala, on the other hand, has also been making significant strides in improving the city's governance and financial management. Under his leadership, the city has implemented various initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in delivering public services.
On the same day as the governor delivers her State of the Province Address, July 31, 2023, Mayor Alcala delivers his first State of the City Address (SOCA) at the Lucena City Government Complex, highlighting his administration's accomplishments and future plans.
Mayor Alcala's SOCA sets the tone for his tenure as he emphasizes transparency, accountability, and collaboration as key principles that will guide his administration's decision-making process.
In his Statement of the City Address, the mayor was introduced as being criticized for being young and inexperienced, but he has proven his critics wrong through his strong leadership and innovative approach to governance.
According to his colleagues, despite his age, has demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the community and has implemented policies that have greatly benefited the residents.
These efforts have not gone unnoticed, as the city recently received recognition from a national organization for its outstanding performance in local governance.
Alcala's commitment to good governance and his dedication to serving the people are evident in the positive changes he has brought to the city.
He has prioritized citizen engagement and established channels for community feedback and involvement in decision-making processes.
He has been successful in attracting investments and fostering economic growth, resulting in job creation and an improved quality of life for residents. His strategic vision and ability to navigate complex challenges have positioned the city as a model for effective governance and sustainable development.
His ability to communicate with citizens and government officials has promoted collaboration and inclusivity, making the local government more responsive and efficient. Residents and politicians alike admire his fresh perspective and forward-thinking approach, which have led to positive change.
He elaborated on the success of the tax amnesty program, the collection of national tax allocation, and local sources in the SOCA. Emphasizing the importance of providing social services to the people of Lucena by developing projects and programs for economic development.
He also divulged the upgrade of the frontline and employees’ services through the “Sa Lucena, VIP Ka” program, which upgraded frontline facilities and services such as a dedicated customer service hotline and a more efficient queuing system.
Additionally, the program includes training initiatives for employees to enhance their skills and provide exceptional service to customers.
He emphasized that these improvements are part of the company's commitment to prioritize customer satisfaction and ensure a seamless experience for all. By investing in both infrastructure and employee development, the company aims to create a positive and memorable experience for every customer who walks through their doors.
He also mentioned the expansion of major health programs, among them expanding access to affordable healthcare for all citizens, improving preventive care measures, and enhancing mental health services.
In addition, he emphasized the importance of Boomerang: Balik Kalinga for senior citizens, which aims to provide comprehensive support and care for the elderly population. This initiative focuses on ensuring their well-being through various services such as healthcare assistance, social activities, and financial aid.
The Mayor commended the collaborative efforts between local government heads and healthcare professionals in establishing accessible and affordable healthcare facilities in underserved areas. These initiatives have significantly improved healthcare access for all citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind in receiving quality medical care.
Leading the city to new heights of success, the Mayor's dedication to improving the overall well-being of residents has also resulted in an increase in job opportunities and economic growth.
For him, residents are at the center of everything, and he continuously strives to create a city that is not only prosperous but also inclusive and equitable. By investing in education and skills training programs, the Mayor has empowered residents to develop their talents and secure stable employment, contributing to the overall economic growth of the city.
Additionally, his commitment to affordable housing initiatives has provided residents with safe and affordable homes, further enhancing their quality of life.
Evacuation center facilities have also been established in various parts of the city to ensure the safety and well-being of residents during times of emergencies or natural disasters.
These centers are equipped with the necessary resources and support services to accommodate and assist those in need, demonstrating the Mayor's dedication to prioritizing the welfare of all community members.
The Lucena City Commander Center is one such facility that serves as a central command post during emergencies. It is equipped with state-of-the-art communication systems and coordinates the efforts of various agencies to ensure a swift and effective response. The center also conducts regular drills and training programs to enhance the preparedness of the city's emergency response teams.
The Mayor's commitment to community welfare is further exemplified by the establishment of the Eagle Eye program. This initiative utilizes advanced surveillance technology to monitor high-risk areas and promptly detect any suspicious activities. By investing in such innovative measures, the Mayor aims to ensure the safety and security of all residents in Lucena City.
He finishes his SOCA by saying age is not a limitation to contributing to the betterment of our community. The Mayor emphasized that individuals of all ages have valuable experiences and perspectives to offer, and encouraged everyone to actively participate in initiatives that promote the city's progress.
He said he is a work in progress and a willing learner , and that he believes in continuously improving himself to better serve the people of Lucena City.
Judge him not by his age but by what his administration has done so far and the positive impact it has had on the community.
The Mayor emphasized that age should not be a determining factor in evaluating his effectiveness as a leader, but rather the tangible results and improvements that have been achieved under his administration.
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