PGA Finalizes Draft of 2023-2025 ELA

By: Nicolas Evan G. Fuentes

The Department Heads and technical staff of the Provincial Government of Aklan under Gov. Jose Enrique M. Miraflores has finalized the draft of the 2023-2025 ELA of the Province with the active participation of the 19th SP technical staff under Vice Gov. Reynaldo M. Quimpo after the final presentation of the ELA at the Istorya Forest Garden, Poblacion Ilaya, Panay, Capiz on November 9-10, 2022.

Section 465 of Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, mandates Local Chief Executives (LCEs) of a province, city or municipality to (a) present the program of government and propose policies for the consideration of the Sanggunian and (b) initiate and propose legislative measures to the Sanggunian and provide such information and data needed or requested by said Sanggunian in the performance of its functions.

The ELA of the Province of Aklan was divided into 5 sectors each with its own issues of concern and priority projects, programs and activities (PPAs) to address those issues and concerns: institutional, economic, social, environment, and infrastructure, all of which were discussed on the very first day.

The issues of concern and the priority programs, projects and activities (PPAs) for the 2023-2025 term for the institutional development sector were presented by Mr. Dakila Nadua from the Aklan Provincial Internal Audit Office.

During his presentation, Nadua stressed the importance of digitizing government transactions as well as upgrading existing online government systems in order to promote reliable, efficient and transparent governance.

Nadua also emphasized that an e-Governance Code of the Province of Aklan is the most important piece of legislation needed for its implementation, thus, its passage is an urgent concern.

The issues of concern and the PPAs for the next three years for the economic sector were presented by Mr. Marsh Bernabe, Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) Manager.

For the economic sector, Bernabe explained that the administration aims to address several issues on food security, volatile economic enterprise and tourism sectors, limited programs for migrants, limited programs for public employment services and the limited/weak partnership of the provincial government with the business sector.

Bernabe also presented the different legislative requirements for the proper implementation of the PPAs under the economic sector.

The issues of concern and the priority programs, projects and activities (PPAs) for the next three years for the environment sector were presented by Mr. John Espiritu from the Aklan Environment and Natural Resources Office.

Espiritu explained that the solid waste management program, re-greening and reforestation initiatives, as well as programs to further strengthen the disaster preparedness of the province are among the priority PPAs in the environmental development sector.

Governor Miraflores also stressed that the most important legislative measure for the sector is the institutionalization of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) as a department of the provincial government. Currently, the PDRRMO operates as a division under the Office of the Provincial Governor.

The issues of concern and the PPAs for the 2023-2025 term for the social sector were presented by Ms. Katrina Meñez from the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

With the goal of implementing and enhancing gender responsive programs in the social sector, Meñez explained that the administration’s priority for the next three years includes the further improvement of the health sector specifically the hospital system of the province, enhancement of the education system, as well as the promotion of traffic and road safety.

The issues of concern and the PPAs for the infrastructure sector were presented by Engr. Allyn T. Artates from the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO).

Artates explained that the repair, maintenance and improvement of bridges, roads, building and other infrastructures are among the priority infrastructure projects of the province. She also stressed that the priority projects under the infrastructure development sector are also aimed at building roads and connecting the different business centers of the province with economic recovery amidst the pandemic in mind.

For the second day, the members of the different sectors conducted a meeting to discuss and review the comments raised on the first day and to finalize the draft of the ELA of the Province of Aklan.

The final draft of the ELA is expected to be adopted and approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on its 18th Regular Session on November 14, 2022.

The SP Aklan delegation was composed of the 19th SP headed by Vice Governor Quimpo together with SP Members Nemesio P. Neron, Mark V. Quimpo, Mark Ace L. Bautista, Teddy C. Tupas, and Apolinar C. Cleope from the 1st Provincial District, SP Members Romeo M. Dalisay, Jupiter Aelred G. Gallenero, Bayani M. Cordova, and Plaridel M. Solidum from the 2nd Provincial District, and ex-officio SP Members Roly O. Equiña, Jr. (PCL-Aklan Chapter President), and Ciriaco T. Feliciano (LnB-Aklan Chapter President). Accompanying the 19th SP as support staff are key personnel of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan including Acting Secretary to the Sanggunian Merlyn A. Montaño, Administrative Officer IV Michael T. Solanoy, Local Legislative Staff Assistant III Ninfa Elias, SP Consultant for Media and Legislative Affairs Odon S. Bandiola, as well as some members of the SP Information Unit.

Joining Governor Miraflores and the SP Aklan delegation were key personnel of the Provincial Governor’s Office and heads and assistant heads of the different executive departments and LGU-operated hospitals of the Provincial Government of Aklan.

The two-day ELA presentation was moderated by Ms. Theresa Templonuevo, Provincial Accountant and Engr. Roger M. Esto, PPDC.