GOVERNOR’S REPORT 2024

GOVERNOR’S REPORT 2024
JOSE ENRIQUE M. MIRAFLORES
GOVERNOR, PROVINCE OF AKLAN
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<<GREETINGS>>

IT IS WITH IMMENSE PRIDE THAT I STAND BEFORE YOU TO DELIVER
MY 2024 GOVERNOR’S REPORT.

FIRSTLY, I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND MY CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
PROVINCE OF AKLAN FOR ITS 8TH CONSECUTIVE SEAL OF GOOD
LOCAL GOVERNANCE – THE ONLY PROVINCE OUTSIDE LUZON TO
ACCOMPLISH THIS WINNING STREAK. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO
CONGRATULATE THE EIGHT MUNICIPALITIES THAT ALSO PASSED
THE 2024 SGLG – MUNICIPALITIES OF BANGA, BATAN, BURUANGA,
IBAJAY, KALIBO, MALAY, NEW WASHINGTON AND TANGALAN.

OUR PROVINCIAL SGLG RECORD ALREADY SPEAKS VOLUMES IN
THE STATE OF GOVERNANCE IN OUR PROVINCE – OUR ACT ONE,
AkONE CREDO WORKS AND WORKS WELL FOR AKLAN.

GOOD GOVERNANCE IS A RESULT OF OUR COLLECTIVE ACTIONS
AND THIS REPORT WILL BE A TESTAMENT TO THE SUCCESSES
ACHIEVED AND THE CHALLENGES WE ALL FACED TOGETHER AS WE
WORK FOR IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE FOR AKLANONS.

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THE DILG HAS CONSISTENTLY RECOGNIZED THE PROVINCE OF
AKLAN AS A RELIABLE PARTNER IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS
LOCAL PROJECTS. DURING THE 2023 UPRISE: A REWARDS AND
INCENTIVES INITIATIVE ON DILG-ADMINISTERED PROJECTS IN
REGION VI, THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN IS THE ONLY PROVINCE TO
COMPLY WITH THE 14 INDICATORS OF THE UPSCALING
PERFORMANCE AND REDEFINING IMPACT THROUGH STRUCTURAL
EMPOWERMENT (UPRISE) AND WAS DECLARED CHAMPION UNDER
THE 2021 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT
(FALGU) PROGRAM PROVINCIAL CATEGORY.

THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF AKLAN ALSO RECEIVED A
POSITIVE PERFORMANCE AUDIT AND HIGH ACCOMPLISHMENT
RATING IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RESULTS-BASED
MONITORING AND EVALUATION (RBME) OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS (RLIP) ENROLLED IN THE
SUBAYBAYAN PLATFORM.

AND LAST OCTOBER, THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN WAS RECOGNIZED
AS ONE OF THE 19 OUTSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS IN
THE 2024 SUBAYBAYANI AWARDS IN THE REGIONAL LEVEL. THIS
AWARD IS GIVEN BY THE DILG TO LGUS WITH OUTSTANDING
PERFORMANCE IN PROJECT DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION,
MONITORING, EVALUATION AND PARTICULARLY, ITS IMPACT TO THE
LIVES OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. OUR OFFICIAL ENTRY,

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IMPROVEMENT AND REHABILITATION OF MAKATO – CALANGCANG –
AGCAWILAN – SILAKAT NONOK – SAN RAMON – BANAY-BANAY –
MALINAO ROAD PHASE II WAS CHOSEN TO REPRESENT REGION VI
IN THE NATIONAL LEVEL VALIDATION THIS DECEMBER 2024 AND I AM
PROUD TO REPORT THAT JUST THE OTHER DAY, WE ATTENDED THE
SUBAYBAYANI NATIONAL AWARDING CEREMONY WHERE AKLAN
EMERGED AS THE TOP OVER ALL PERFORMER AMONG ALL
PROVINCIAL LGUS.

AFTER A ONE YEAR HIATUS LAST YEAR, THE EXCELL AWARDS HAS
RETURNED, REBRANDED BY THE DILG REGION VI, WITH NEW
MECHANICS AND CRITERIA FOR JUDGING TO SET IT APART FROM
THE SGLG AWARDS. FROM SIX GOVERNANCE AREAS IN 2022, THE
2024 EXCELL AWARDS NOW FEATURES 10 GOVERNANCE AREAS
WHERE THE PROVINCE MUST SHOWCASE ITS BEST PRACTICES.
AKLAN HAS ALREADY UNDERGONE REGIONAL VALIDATION OF ITS
SUBMITTED BEST PRACTICES LAST MONTH, AND WE BELIEVE THAT
THE PROVINCE IS A STRONG CONTENDER FOR THIS AWARD AGAIN.

AS A THREE-PEAT CHAMPION IN EXCELL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
IN LOCAL LEGISLATION, THE AKLAN SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN
HAS SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTED TO OUR POSITIVE
PERFORMANCE.

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AS ALWAYS, I AM THANKFUL TO THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN
IN ITS PASSAGE OF PROVINCIAL ENACTMENTS IN SUPPORT OF
GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE AREAS OF APPROPRIATION, GENDER
AND DEVELOPMENT, REVENUE, SOCIAL PROTECTION,
AGRICULTURE, AND HEALTH.

AS AN ISO-CERTIFIED INSTITUTION, THE SANGGUNIANG
PANLALAWIGAN INSPIRES OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICES TO MATCH ITS
LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM. AS SUCH, WE ARE STRIVING FOR
FULL COMPLIANCE TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF REPUBLIC ACT
11032, OR THE “EASE OF DOING BUSINESS ACT.” OVERSEEN BY OUR
PROVINCIAL HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OFFICE AND WITH
THE ASSISTANCE FROM THE AKLAN PROVINCIAL INTERNAL AUDIT
OFFICE, I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT WE HAVE SATISFACTORILY
COMPLIED WITH ITS REQUIREMENTS WITH THE AKLAN PROVINCIAL
TREASURER’S OFFICE GARNERING 100% COMPLIANCE RATING
DURING THE REGIONAL VALIDATION OF THE ANTI-RED TAPE
AUTHORITY (ARTA) LAST SEPTEMBER 2024.

THIS COMMITMENT TO SERVICE ALSO TRANSLATES TO ITS
PERFORMANCE AS THE TREASURER’S OFFICE VIGOROUSLY
IMPROVES ITS COLLECTION EFFICIENCY THROUGH THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AKLAN ONLINE PAYMENT SYSTEM,
CONTINUOUS ADVOCACY OF COMPUTERIZATION OF MUNICIPAL
GOVERNMENT COLLECTIONS AND TAX ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS. WE

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ARE CONFIDENT THAT THE 125 ACTIVE FREE WIFI SITES INSTALLED
BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
TECHNOLOGY (DICT) IN KEY LOCATIONS COVERING THE WHOLE
PROVINCE OF AKLAN WOULD BE A TREMENDOUS BOOST IN THE
ACCEPTANCE OF ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT TRANSACTIONS BY
AKLANONS.

THIS PERFORMANCE OF OUR PTO IS NOTICED BY THE BUREAU OF
LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE AS IT RANKED THE PROVINCIAL
GOVERNMENT OF AKLAN THROUGH THE AKLAN PROVINCIAL
TREASURY OFFICE FOR 2022 COLLECTION;
● TOP 3 AMONG THE SIX (6) PROVINCES OF REGION 6 IN
COLLECTION EFFICIENCY FOR FEES AND CHARGES;
● TOP 3 IN COLLECTION EFFICIENCY FOR REAL PROPERTY TAX;
TOP 2 IN HIGHEST LOCALLY SOURCES REVENUE;
● TOP 2 IN HIGHEST LOCALLY SOURCED REVENUE FOR REAL
PROPERTY TAX;
● TOP 2 FOR YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH IN FEES AND CHARGES;
● TOP 2 IN HIGHEST LOCALLY SOURCED REVENUES IN BUSINESS
AND OTHER TAX COLLECTION;
● TOP 2 IN HIGHEST COLLECTION EFFICIENCY IN FOUR LOCALLY
SOURCED REVENUES (REAL PROPERTY TAX, BUSINESS TAX,
FEES AND CHARGES AND ECONOMIC ENTERPRISES) AND
● TOP 2 IN HIGHEST LOCALLY SOURCED REVENUE IN ECONOMIC
ENTERPRISES.

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OUR PROVINCIAL ASSESSOR’S OFFICE ALSO CONTRIBUTED
SIGNIFICANTLY THROUGH AN INCREASE IN TAXABLE ASSESSED
VALUE OF REAL PROPERTIES RESULTING TO A RESPECTIVE
INCREASE IN REAL PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIBLES OF P12 MILLION
EACH FOR GENERAL FUND AND SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND. AS
SUCH, IT WAS ALSO AWARDED AS TOP 3 BASED ON THE HIGHEST
INCREASE IN ASSESSED REAL PROPERTY UNITS.

HOWEVER, IN TERMS OF YEAR ON YEAR GROWTH, THE PROVINCIAL
GOVERNMENT OF AKLAN, THROUGH THE PROVINCIAL
TREASURER’S OFFICE AND THE PROVINCIAL ASSESSOR’S OFFICE,
IS RANKED TOP 1 IN GROWTH OF LOCALLY SOURCED REVENUES, IN
GROWTH IN ECONOMIC ENTERPRISES; IN GROWTH IN REAL
PROPERTY TAX AND IN COLLECTION EFFICIENCY IN ECONOMIC
ENTERPRISES.

ALL OF THESE CULMINATED IN THE RECOGNITION OF THE
PROVINCE OF AKLAN AS ONE OF THE TOP 4 PERFORMING LGUS IN
THE NATIONAL LEVEL IN THE AREA OF RATIO OF LOCALLY SOURCED
REVENUES TO TOTAL CURRENT OPERATING INCOME FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2023 AND FISCAL YEAR 2022. THIS MEANS THAT THE SHARE
OF LOCALLY SOURCED REVENUES IS HIGHER IN AKLAN THAN
OTHER PROVINCES WITH LESS DEPENDENCE TO NATIONAL TAX

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ALLOTMENT AND WITH MORE EFFICIENT LOCAL REVENUE
GENERATION.

THE MAIN BULK OF OUR LOCALLY SOURCED REVENUE REMAINS
RECEIPTS FROM OUR ECONOMIC ENTERPRISES PARTICULARLY
FROM OUR PORT OPERATIONS (EEDD-PO), RESORTS AND HOTEL
OPERATIONS (EEDD-RHO) AND COMMERCIAL CENTER OPERATIONS
(EEDD-CCO). IN FACT, EEDD-PO HAS REPORTED AN 8% INCREASE IN
ITS COLLECTIONS FOR JANUARY TO OCTOBER 2024 COMPARED TO
THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR AND EEDD-RHO SUSTAINED ITS
MOMENTUM DURING THE FIRST SEMESTER OF 2024 COMPARED TO
2023 BUT THE SECOND HALF LOOKS PROMISING AS IT HAS ALREADY
EXCEEDED THE 2023 JULY-AUGUST PERFORMANCE BY 6%.

THESE COLLECTIONS ARE USED TO FUND THE PRIORITIES OF MY
ADMINISTRATION AS DEMONSTRATED IN THE BREAKDOWN OF OUR
PROVINCIAL BUDGET. IN BOTH OUR 2023 AND 2024 REGULAR
BUDGET, SOCIAL SERVICES COMPRISE 48% OF THE TOTAL
ALLOCATION WITH 26% EACH FOR GENERAL PUBLIC SERVICES AND
ECONOMIC SERVICES. UNDER THE SCRUTINY OF OUR VICE
GOVERNOR AND SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN MEMBERS, WE
ENSURE THAT ESSENTIAL EXPENDITURE ITEMS ARE INCLUDED IN
OUR ANNUAL APPROPRIATION. AND WITH THE TIMELY AND
COMPLIANT SUBMISSION OF OUR BUDGET BY THE PROVINCIAL
BUDGET OFFICE, THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF AKLAN CAN

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SMOOTHLY IMPLEMENT ITS PROGRAMS, PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES
AS THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT
CONSISTENTLY DECLARES THE AKLAN PROVINCIAL BUDGET AS
OPERATIVE IN ITS ENTIRETY.

THROUGH OUR PROVINCIAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE, WE ALSO
IMPLEMENT THE SOUND AND EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF
GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES AS IT ENSURES THAT WE FOLLOW
PROPER GOVERNMENT AUDITING AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES.
FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2023, THE COMMISSION ON AUDIT HAS
ISSUED A QUALIFIED OPINION FOR THE FINANCIAL REPORTS OF THE
PROVINCE OF AKLAN – MEANING OUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE
LARGELY SOUND AND PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE TO PROPER
FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK.

AS PART OF OUR COMPLIANCE WITH COA RECOMMENDATIONS, WE
ALSO ORGANIZED THE PROVINCIAL INVENTORY COMMITTEE
COMPOSED OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE PROVINCIAL
ACCOUNTING OFFICE, PROVINCIAL GENERAL SERVICES OFFICE,
PROVINCIAL ENGINEER’S OFFICE, PROVINCIAL TREASURER’S

OFFICE AND PROVINCIAL BUDGET OFFICE TO CONDUCT THE ONE-
TIME CLEANSING OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (PPE)

ACCOUNT BALANCES OF THE PGA.

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AS I MENTIONED BEFORE, OUR HIGHEST GOVERNMENT
EXPENDITURE REMAINS SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS.

FOR 2023, WE HAVE CONDUCTED ELEVEN (11) GOBYERNO SA
BARYO ACTIVITIES AND FOR 2024, WE HAVE DONE EIGHT (8)
ACTIVITIES ALREADY WITH THE LATEST IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
MALINAO LAST SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30. AS ALWAYS, IT BRINGS
ME GREAT JOY TO SEE THE FACES OF OUR CONSTITUENTS LIGHT
UP AS THEY PARTAKE THE SERVICES OF THE PROVINCIAL
GOVERNMENT IN THE ACTUAL COMMUNITY WHERE THEY RESIDE.

OUR REGULAR PROGRAM, AID TO INDIVIDUALS IN CRISIS SITUATION
(AICS) CONTINUES TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO
AKLANONS EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES IN LIFE. FOR THE PERIOD
OF JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 2024 UNDER THE REGULAR BUDGET
OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE (PGO), THE PSWDO HAS
CATERED TO 9,136 BENEFICIARIES OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF PHP 42.3 MILLION. AMONG THESE ARE 1,872
SENIOR CITIZENS, 351 PERSON WITH DISABILITIES, 3,869 WOMEN
AND 769 CHILDREN.

AN INNOVATION UNDER MY ADMINISTRATION – THE PAGBULIG
CENTERS- LOCATED OUTSIDE THE IMMEDIATE RADIUS OF THE
PROVINCIAL CAPITOL IN THE ELEVEN (11) MUNICIPALITIES OF AKLAN
– CATERED TO 3,959 BENEFICIARIES WITH A TOTAL AMOUNT OF PHP

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15.6 MILLION. AMONG THESE ARE 1,659 SENIOR CITIZENS, 16
PERSON WITH DISABILITIES, 3,002 WOMEN AND 526 CHILDREN
UNDER THE SAME PERIOD OF JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 2024.

AS PART OF OUR COMMITMENT IN TAKING CARE OF OUR SENIOR
CITIZENS, WE HELD THE FIRST GOVERNOR’S SEARCH FOR THE
MOST SENIOR CITIZEN FRIENDLY MUNICIPALITY. THIS AWARD IS IN
A FORM OF FUND SUPPORT GIVEN TO LGUS WITH THE HIGHEST
RATING OF IDEAL, NEXT, MATURE AND THEN, PROGRESSIVE LEVELS
OF FUNCTIONALITY. THROUGH A SPECIAL ORDINANCE PASSED BY
OUR SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN IN 2019, WE ARE ONLY ABLE TO
MAKE THIS A REALITY AFTER THE PANDEMIC.

I AM ALSO HAPPY TO REPORT THAT FROM A MATURE LEVEL OF
FUNCTIONALITY IN 2023, THE HIGHEST RATING OF IDEAL LEVEL OF
FUNCTIONALITY WAS ALREADY OBTAINED BY THE MUNICIPALITIES
OF TANGALAN, LEZO, MALAY AND BALETE IN 2024.

OUR SPECIFIC PROGRAMS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS REMAIN IN FULL
SWING. THE AKLAN SOCIAL PENSION PROGRAM, WHICH IS
OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED AS “GOOD PRACTICE” BY DSWD FIELD
OFFICE VI, ALREADY BENEFITED 328 BENEFICIARIES FROM
JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. THROUGH A GENERAL
ORDINANCE PASSED BY OUR SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN IN

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2022, THIS PROGRAM IS ALREADY FIRMLY ENTRENCHED IN OUR
REGULAR BUDGET.

WE ALSO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A PROVINCIAL LGU
COUNTERPART IN THE CENTENARIAN ASSISTANCE FOR LIVING
AKLANONS REACHING 100 YEARS OLD. AS OF SEPTEMBER, WE
HAVE ALREADY RECOGNIZED 16 BENEFICIARIES WHO RECEIVED A
TOTAL AMOUNT OF P400,000.

WE ALSO TAKE CARE OF OUR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
THROUGH OUR REGULAR PROGRAM OF TRANSPORTATION AND
EDUCATION ASSISTANCE FOR OUR SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH
DISABILITIES WHICH ALREADY CATERED TO 1,634 BENEFICIARIES
AMOUNTING TO P3.7 MILLION AS OF JULY 2024, IN ADDITION TO
DISTRIBUTION OF ASSISTIVE DEVICES AND FOOD PACKS
PROGRAMS.

OUR AKLAN COMPREHENSIVE CENTER FOR WOMEN OR
DAEANGPAN IT KABABAYEN-AN CONTINUES TO BE A REFUGE TO
AKLANON WOMEN AND CHILDREN WHO ARE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE AND OTHER KINDS OF ABUSE. EARLIER THIS YEAR, THIS
CENTER WAS EXPANDED AND WE INAUGURATED THE KABAEAKA
CENTER FOR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH AND
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. THIS WAS FUNDED THROUGH THE

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SGLG INCENTIVE FUND 2022 AS PART OF THE CASH REWARD
RECEIVED BY AKLAN FOR BEING A CONSISTENT SGLG AWARDEE.

WHILE I DREAM TO SEE THAT OUR SHELTER BECOME EMPTY OF
CLIENTS, WE WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL
AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THESE VULNERABLE SECTORS OF
OUR SOCIETY.

AS SUCH, WE COMPLEMENT OUR PROTECTIVE EFFORTS THROUGH
OUR PREVENTIVE PROGRAMS SPEARHEADED BY THE AKLAN
PROVINCIAL POPULATION AND GENDER OFFICE. MEN’S
RESPONSIBILITIES IN GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT (MR GAD)
HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF MEN IN PREVENTING DOMESTIC ABUSE.

IN ADDITION, THE PPDO ALSO CRAFTED THE GAD AGENDA FOR 2025
TO 2027 TO SET STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND INTERVENTIONS THAT
WILL FURTHER STRENGTHEN GENDER EQUALITY INITIATIVES IN THE
PROVINCE.

LIKEWISE, OUR ANNUAL GOVERNOR’S SEARCH FOR THE BEST
BARANGAY VAW DESK CONTINUES TO INSPIRE OUR LGUS TO
IMPROVE THE VAW DESK FUNCTIONALITY FROM BASIC TO IDEAL
STATUS. IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS, WE WILL BE AWARDING THE
WINNERS OF THIS ANNUAL SEARCH.

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I SHARE THE SAME SENTIMENT WITH OUR AKLAN YOUTH CENTER
FOR OUR CHILDREN IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW. WITNESSING THE
TRANSFORMATION OF OUR CICL AS THEY REINTEGRATE TO
SOCIETY AS REHABILITATED, RESPONSIBLE AND EMPOWERED
INDIVIDUALS, IT GIVES ME INSPIRATION TO FURTHER CONTINUE
AND IMPROVE OUR JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM.

LAST NOVEMBER, WE CELEBRATED THE NATIONAL CHILDREN’S
MONTH. A TIME FOR FUN ACTIVITIES, WE ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD
TO SEEING OUR CHILDREN ENJOYING PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AS A
CHILD SHOULD INSTEAD OF PLAYING WITH IMPERSONAL GADGETS.

BUT OUR CARE FOR THE CHILDREN IS NOT LIMITED TO ONE MONTH
ONLY.

WE ALSO HAVE OUR REGULAR PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN
SUCH AS THE PROVISION OF SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING
PROGRAMS AMOUNTING TO P3MILLION, AND PROVISION OF
LEARNING MATERIALS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES ALSO AMOUNTING
TO ANOTHER P3MILLION, BOTH BENEFITTING 14,695 PRE-SCHOOL
CHILDREN.

LIKEWISE, WE ALSO WELCOME THEM TO OUR PROVINCIAL
GOVERNMENT OF AKLAN – CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER (PGA –
CDC) WHICH OPENED DOORS IN MARCH 2022 AND OFFERS FREE

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SERVICES TO CHILDREN AGED 3 TO 4 YEARS OLD. OUR PUPILS
ENJOY FEEDING PROGRAMS, BOOKS AND SUPPLIES AND
CLASSROOM INSTRUCTIONS WITHOUT ANY MONTHLY FEES AS WE
STRIVE TO PROVIDE QUALITY PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION
COMPARABLE OR EVEN BETTER TO PAID SCHOOLS. INITIAL
FEEDBACK FROM THE FAMILIES OF 122 CHILDREN BENEFICIARIES
HAS BEEN POSITIVELY ENCOURAGING.

AS A TESTAMENT TO THIS COMMITMENT, WE CONGRATULATE THE
FIFTEEN (15) PGA-CDC PASSERS OF ASSESSMENT TEST – A SPECIAL
EDUCATION FOR FAST LEARNERS BY THE KALIBO PILOT
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2023-2024 AND SCHOOL
YEAR 2024-2025.

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR TEACHERS AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
WORKERS (CDW) FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS IN ENSURING THE
SUCCESS OF OUR PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN. IN THIS REGARD, WE
ARE CONTINUALLY ENSURING THAT THEY ARE PROPERLY
EQUIPPED WITH THE CAPABILITY TO UNDERTAKE THEIR
RESPONSIBILITIES, AND PROVIDE PROPER RECOGNITION OF THEIR
CONTRIBUTIONS. AS SUCH WE PROVIDE THEM WITH CASH
INCENTIVES / ALLOWANCE AMOUNTING TO P1.2 MILLION TO 435
CDWS AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE SIGNIFICANT ROLE THEY PLAY
DURING A WEEK LONG CELEBRATION FOR THEIR BENEFIT.

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WE ALSO REITERATE OUR CONTINUED FULL SUPPORT FOR SPORTS
DEVELOPMENT AMONG OUR YOUTH. THE GOVERNOR JOEN
MIRAFLORES CUP 2024 WAS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS WITH NEW
WASHINGTON EMERGING AS BASKETBALL CHAMPION, NABAS FOR
VOLLEYBALL – MEN’S CATEGORY AND MALINAO FOR VOLLEYBALL –
WOMEN’S CATEGORY.

WE ARE INSPIRED TO SEE PRODUCTS OF THE GOVERNOR’S CUP
ALREADY PLAYING IN THE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION OF
THE PHILIPPINES (UAAP), NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC
ASSOCIATION (NCAA) AND OTHER SCHOOL-BASED SPORTS
COMPETITIONS AND ARE NOW ENJOYING SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS
WHICH OFFERS FREE TUITION, BOARD AND LODGING AND OTHER
NECESSITIES.

IN LINE WITH THE RECOGNITION OF MOBILE GAMING AS A SPORTS
IN ITS OWN RIGHT, WE ALSO HELD THE FIRST GOVERNOR’S MOBILE
LEGENDS BANGBANG TOURNAMENT CUP 2024 WHERE LIBACAO
PLAYERS REIGNED SUPREME AS CHAMPIONS.

I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED TO FIND OUT THAT THERE IS ALSO
A STRONG INTEREST IN FOOTBALL AMONG AKLANON YOUTH IN
ADDITION TO THE USUAL BALLGAMES. SO, WE ALSO INTRODUCED
THE SUCCESSFUL GOVERNOR JOSE ENRIQUE M. MIRAFLORES
FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT IN COOPERATION WITH THE AKLAN

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FOOTBALL ACADEMY WHERE WE WELCOMED 72 ENTRIES FROM 26
FOOTBALL TEAMS FROM AKLAN AS WELL AS FROM THE OTHER
PARTS OF PANAY ISLAND

THE 2024 WEST VISAYAS REGIONAL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
(WVRAA) MEET YIELD WAS THE MOST PRODUCTIVE IN THE HISTORY
OF OUR PARTICIPATION TO THE ANNUAL SPORTS EVENT. AKLAN
WAS ABLE TO OBTAIN 52 GOLDS, THE HIGHEST EVER RECEIVED BY
THE PROVINCE; AND FOR THE FIRST TIME, AKLAN WON GOLD IN
BASEBALL SECONDARY BOYS.

WE ALSO HAVE AN IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE IN THE PALARONG
PAMBANSA 2024 HELD IN MARIKINA WHERE THE PROVINCE OF
AKLAN, AS PART OF THE WESTERN VISAYAS DELEGATION / TEAM,
MANAGED TO BRING HOME SEVEN (7) GOLDS, SEVEN (7) SILVERS
AND SEVEN (7) BRONZE MEDALS. AS AN APPRECIATION FOR THEIR
EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE, THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF
AKLAN EXTENDED CASH INCENTIVES TOTALLING P616,000 FOR
WINNING ATHLETES, CHAPERONS, TRAINERS AS WELL AS THE
OTHER PARTICIPATING ATHLETES.

OUR YOUTH TODAY FACES UNIQUE CHALLENGES BROUGHT ABOUT
BY MODERN TECHNOLOGY. HENCE, WE FOCUS ON PROVIDING
SUPPORT, VENUE AND PROGRAMS FOR OUR YOUTH IN TAKING
CARE OF THEIR MENTAL HEALTH. THROUGH THE AKLAN

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PROVINCIAL YOUTH OFFICE, WE HELD THE AKONE MENTAL HEALTH
ARTS FEST DURING THE CELEBRATION OF THE NATIONAL ARTS
MONTH, AND THE PAGTATAP : NURTURING THE HEART AND MIND, A
MENTAL AWARENESS ACTIVITY IN COLLABORATION WITH THE
AKLAN PROVINCIAL HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT OFFICE.

IN SEPTEMBER, WE CONDUCTED THE FIRST MENTAL HEALTH CAMP
TO STRENGTHEN THE ADVOCACY FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION
AMONG THE THIRTY (30) PEER EDUCATORS FROM THE
MUNICIPALITIES OF AKLAN.

IN ADDITION, THE ADOLESCENT HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM OF THE AKLAN PROVINCIAL POPULATION AND GENDER
OFFICE HAS ALSO REACHED OUT TO 8,896 ADOLESCENTS (10-19
YEARS OLD) FOR KNOWLEDGE AND FURTHER UNDERSTANDING ON
ADOLESCENT HEALTH TOPICS SUCH AS PREVENTION OF TEENAGE
PREGNANCY, MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS, RELATIONSHIPS AND
PREVALENCE OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES, AMONG
OTHERS.

MOREOVER, WE ARE ALSO PROUD TO REPORT THAT THE
PROVINCIAL FEDERATION OF PEER EDUCATORS (AKLAN PEER
EDUCATORS) IS ALREADY REGISTERED IN THE YOUTH
ORGANIZATION REGISTRATION PROGRAM OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH
COMMISSION (NYC) GIVING THE FEDERATION AN OFFICIAL

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RECOGNITION, ACCESS TO FUNDING AND CAPABILITY-BUILDING
OPPORTUNITIES.

OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IS ALSO IN FULL SWING. WITH P50
MILLION BUDGET IN 2023 AND 2024, 5,004 STUDENTS IN THE FIRST
SEMESTER AND 4,834 STUDENTS IN THE SECOND SEMESTER
AVAILED OF THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR ACADEMIC YEAR
2023-2024. BY THE END OF THE 2ND SEMESTER FOR THE SAID
ACADEMIC YEAR, 862 SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THEIR STUDIES
WITH NINE (9) MAGNA CUM LAUDE AND ONE HUNDRED-SIXTY (160)
CUM LAUDE GRADUATES. TO SERVE MORE STUDENTS, I HAVE
INCREASED THE BUDGET FOR SCHOLARSHIP NEXT YEAR TO P70
MILLION.

IN ADDITION TO OUR REGULAR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, WE HAVE
ALSO IMPLEMENTED THE TERTIARY/COLLEGIATE SCHOLARSHIP
PROGRAM FOR AKLAN INDIGENOUS PEOPLE (TCSP-AIP) FOR THE
FIRST TIME IN 2023. WE WELCOMED 14 DESERVING INDIGENOUS
COMMUNITY MEMBERS FROM BOTH THE ATI AND AKEANON
BUKIDNON IP COMMUNITIES, WITH EACH RECEIVING A MINIMUM OF
P10,000 AND A MAXIMUM OF P25,000 PER SEMESTER.

OUR COMMITMENT TOWARDS PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF
THE INTERESTS AND RIGHTS OF OUR INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY IS
FURTHER SOLIDIFIED BY THE CRAFTING OF THE AKLAN

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INDIGENOUS PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR CY 2025-2028,
WHICH WAS RECENTLY ADOPTED BY THE SANGUNIANG
PANLALAWIGAN. WE ARE THE FIRST AND ONLY PROVINCE IN
WESTERN VISAYAS TO PREPARE A PLAN DEDICATED FOR IP
COMMUNITIES.

IN FACT, LAST OCTOBER, THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE (NCIP) RECOGNIZED THE PROVINCIAL
GOVERNMENT OF AKLAN AS AN OUTSTANDING PARTNER IN
SUPPORTING AND PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS
PEOPLE COMMUNITIES.

WE ALSO WELCOME OUR IP BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN SERVING
THE AKLANONS THROUGH OUR INDIGENOUS HEALTHCARE
WORKERS PROGRAM, WITH CIRIACO S. TIROL HOSPITAL THE
LATEST TO EMPLOY MEMBERS OF THE IP COMMUNITY AS HEALTH
WORKERS.

WE HOPE TO EMPLOY MORE AS CIRIACO S. TIROL HOSPITAL
UNDERGOES EXPANSION THROUGH A P60 MILLION FUNDING FROM
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

THANKS ALSO TO THE DOH, OTHER HEALTH FACILITIES IN THE
PROVINCE OF AKLAN ARE BEING CONSTRUCTED, REHABILITATED
AND EXPANDED. FOR 2024, THE DOH HAS EXTENDED P126 MILLION

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20
FOR THE EASTERN SIDE AND P167 MILLION FOR THE WESTERN SIDE
TO FUND BARANGAY HEALTH CENTERS, SUPER HEALTH CENTERS,
RURAL HEALTH UNITS AND HOSPITALS.

IN ADDITION TO THESE, DOH ALSO PROVIDED P140 MILLION
ASSISTANCE IN CASH AND IN-KIND AND DEPLOYED 163 HEALTH
PERSONNEL THROUGHOUT THE PROVINCE .

FOR THE PART OF THE PROVINCE, CIVIL CONSTRUCTION WORKS
FOR HOSPITALS IS ONE OF THE TOP PRIORITIES OF OUR
PROVINCIAL ENGINEERING OFFICE WITH 32 PROJECTS FROM JULY
2023 TO AUGUST 2024.

THESE HEALTH FACILITIES HAVE A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE
SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IN
AKLAN SINCE OUR RURAL HEALTH UNITS AND HOSPITALS DIRECTLY
INTERACT WITH THE COMMUNITY AND WITH AKLAN BEING ONE OF
THE ADVANCE IMPLEMENTATION SITES FOR THE UNIVERSAL
HEALTH COVERAGE (UHC) LAW. IN THIS REGARD, I AM PROUD TO

REPORT THAT 18 OUT OF 18 HEALTH CENTERS OF AKLAN ARE DOH-
LICENSED PRIMARY CARE FACILITIES (PCF) WHICH ENSURES THAT

NECESSARY HEALTH SERVICES INCLUDING EQUIPMENT AND
PERSONNEL MEET THE REQUIRED STANDARDS.

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OUR PHILHEALTH KONSULTA ACCREDITED FACILITIES HAS
INCREASED FROM 20 LAST YEAR TO 22 THIS YEAR. I IMPLORE
EVERYONE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SERVICES IN OUR
FACILITIES AND COORDINATE WITH YOUR RESPECTIVE BARANGAY
HEALTH WORKERS FOR YOUR FIRST PATIENT ENCOUNTERS.

DURING MY STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS (SOPA) LAST YEAR,
I REPORTED THAT AKLAN’S MATURITY STATUS FOR UNIVERSAL
HEALTH COVERAGE WAS 61% REPRESENTING 22 ACHIEVED OUT OF
36 KEY RESULT AREAS (KRAS) IN THE ORGANIZATIONAL LEVEL,
LAST MONTH, WE ALREADY ACHIEVED 35 OUT OF 36 KRAS, OR 97%
ACCOMPLISHMENT. WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT WE CAN MEET THE
DOH TARGET OF 100% BY YEAR END.

IN LINE WITH THE UNIFIED GOVERNANCE OF HEALTH CARE IN
AKLAN, ALL 17 MUNICIPAL MAYORS SIGNED AN INTER-LGU
COOPERATION AGREEMENT SIGNIFYING THEIR UNIFIED
COMMITMENT TO EFFECTIVELY INTEGRATE AND IMPLEMENT
UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE INITIATIVES THROUGHOUT THE
PROVINCE.

THIS COOPERATION IS NECESSARY FOR THE SUCCESSFUL
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AKLAN’S UNIQUE AND PIONEERING
HEALTHCARE STRATEGY OF ESTABLISHING DISTRICT HEALTH
SYSTEMS. WE CREATED SIX DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEMS WHICH

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22
WILL MANAGE THE ADMINISTRATIVE, FINANCIAL AND SERVICE
OPERATIONS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CLUSTER MUNICIPALITIES.

THANKS TO THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN WHICH PASSED

GENERAL ORDINANCE 2024-003 ESTABLISHING THE PROVINCE-
WIDE HEALTH SYSTEM (PWHS) OF AKLAN OR THE AKLAN HEALTH

CARE PROVIDER NETWORK (AHCPN), WE HAVE ENSURED
SUSTAINABILITY OF ITS OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT SUPPORT
SYSTEMS.

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOGNIZE THESE
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND THUS, LAST MONTH, THE PROVINCE OF
AKLAN WAS ACKNOWLEDGED AS A REGIONAL AWARDEE FOR
OUTSTANDING PROVINCE IN WESTERN VISAYAS, AND WAS GIVEN A
SPECIAL GOVERNANCE AWARD DURING THE DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH – WESTERN VISAYAS CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT
AWARDING FOR LOCAL HEALTH SYSTEMS.

THROUGH OUR COMBINED EFFORTS INCLUDING THE NEWLY-
CREATED MANAGEMENT SUPPORT UNIT, WE WERE ABLE TO

COMPLY WITH VARIOUS REQUIREMENTS OF THE PHILHEALTH
WHICH APPROVED THE APPLICATION OF AKLAN AS A HEALTH CARE
PROVIDER NETWORK (HCPN) FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE
DEMONSTRATION. WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT THROUGH HCPN WHICH
GIVES US ACCESS TO THE SPECIAL HEALTH FUND, WE CAN ENSURE

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23
THE AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF HEALTH SERVICES
INCLUDING DRUGS AND MEDICINES ESPECIALLY FOR THE
UNDERSERVED AND VULNERABLE SECTORS.

WE ALSO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR PREVENTIVE HEALTH
PROGRAMS. BAKUNA ESKWELA IS A SCHOOL BASED IMMUNIZATION
OFFERING FREE BOOSTER DOSES AGAINST MEASLES (TIGDAS),
RUBELLA (MAKAYHA), TETANUS, DIPTHERIA AND HUMAN PAPILLOMA
VIRUS OR HPV.

DENGUE STILL POSES A RISK TO OUR COMMUNITY. DESPITE A
RELATIVE SUCCESS LAST YEAR, I HAVE RESORTED TO DECLARING
A DENGUE OUTBREAK LAST AUGUST 2024 DUE TO AN ALARMING
141% INCREASE IN CASES COMPARED TO THE SAME PERIOD OF
JANUARY TO AUGUST 2023. WHILE THERE IS STILL SOME INCREASE,
WE HAVE KEPT DENGUE-CAUSED DEATHS TO 4 AND WE HOPE TO
KEEP IT THAT WAY FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.

TO SUPPORT BOTH OUR PREVENTIVE AND CURATIVE EFFORTS IN
HEALTHCARE, WE HAVE ALSO INCREASED THE NUMBER OF
BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS FROM 3,205 IN 2022 TO 4,000 IN 2024,
ALLOCATING P20 MILLION FOR INCENTIVES. WE ALSO CONTINUED
TO PROVIDE ALLOWANCES TO OUR 414 BARANGAY NUTRITION
SCHOLARS WHO RECEIVED AN ALLOWANCE OF P5,020 EACH IN
2023.

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THE OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL VETERINARIAN ALSO RAMPED UP
EFFORTS IN RABIES VACCINATION REACHING MORE THAN 70%
TARGETS IN 5 AREAS WITH THE HIGHEST IN BORACAY ISLAND AT
98.8%.

THE NATIONAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
COUNCIL (NDRRMC) DECLARED THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN AS A
BEYOND COMPLIANT LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT (LGU) UNDER
LOCAL DRRM COUNCILS AND OFFICES (LDRRMCOS) CATEGORY
DURING THE 23RD GAWAD KALASAG SEAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN
DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (DRRM) AND MANAGEMENT AND
HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE FOR CY 2023. AKLAN IS ONE OF ONLY
TWO PROVINCES FROM THE WESTERN VISAYAS TO RECEIVE SUCH
AN AWARD AND INCIDENTALLY, A GAWAD KALASAG IS A
MANDATORY CRITERIA TO BE SHORTLISTED FOR THE SGLG AWARD.
AND FOR THIS YEAR, I HAVE ALREADY BEEN OFFICIALLY INFORMED
THAT THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN IS ONCE AGAIN A GAWAD KALASAG
FULLY COMPLIANT AWARDEE.

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE PROVINCE TO BE WELL EQUIPPED IN
TERMS OF EQUIPMENT, MANPOWER AND RESOURCES IN TIMES OF
DISASTER AND CALAMITY. AND THIS RECOGNITION IS A
CONFIRMATION OF THIS COMMITMENT.

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AFTER A SUCCESSFUL PARTICIPATION LAST SEPTEMBER 2024 IN
THE 35TH PHILIPPINE TRAVEL MART WHERE THE PROVINCE OF
AKLAN AND LGU KALIBO WON BEST PRESENTATION AWARD FOR
“HINABOE” – THE CENTURIES-OLD WEAVING TRADITION OF AKLAN,
OUR AKLAN PIÑA HANDLOOM WEAVING AND SCHOOLS OF LIVING
TRADITIONS TOOK CENTER STAGE IN AN EXHIBIT AT THE UNESCO
HEADQUARTERS IN PARIS, FRANCE LAST OCTOBER. TOGETHER
WITH KALIBO MAYOR JURIS SUCRO, WE TOOK THIS RARE
OPPORTUNITY TO EMPHASIZE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PROTECTING
THIS CULTURAL HERITAGE AND PRESENT OUR PROGRAMS AND
PROJECTS TO ENSURE THAT IT WILL BE A LEGACY FOR THE
FUTURE GENERATIONS TO ENJOY AND APPRECIATE.

IT CAN BE REMEMBERED THAT LAST DECEMBER 2023, AKLAN PIÑA
HANDLOOM WEAVING WAS OFFICIALLY INSCRIBED AS AN
INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE PHILIPPINES TO
UNESCO’S LIST OF INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE (ICH) OF
HUMANITY. THIS IS THE FIRST ICH INSCRIPTION FOR AKLAN AND THE
VISAYAS REGION AND THE FIFTH ENTRY OF THE PHILIPPINES.

AND LAST MONTH, THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN JOINED THE
PHILIPPINE DELEGATION, LED BY DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
SECRETARY CRISTINA GARCIA FRASCO, PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR
TO UK TEODORO LOCSIN, AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF THE
TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD MARIA MARGARITA MONTEMAYOR

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NOGRALES, IN THE WORLD TRAVEL MARKET IN LONDON, UNITED
KINGDOM TO SHOWCASE BORACAY ISLAND, KALIBO AND THE
AKLAN PIÑA HANDLOOM WEAVING CULTURAL HERITAGE. THE
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET IN LONDON IS HOME TO THE WORLD’S
TRAVEL TRADE THAT BRINGS TOGETHER TRAVEL AND TOURISM
PROFESSIONALS ALL OVER THE WORLD TO BUILD EXCEPTIONAL
CONNECTIONS AND SHARE EVOLVING TRAVEL IDEAS. IT HAS
BECOME A VENUE FOR THE EXHIBITORS SUCH AS AKLAN TO
BENCHMARK THEIR OFFERINGS AND EXPAND BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES. OUR PARTICIPATION IN WHAT IS KNOWN AS THE
“MOST INFLUENTIAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM EVENT IN THE WORLD”
IS A MILESTONE EVENT FOR THE TOURISM INDUSTRY OF AKLAN
WHICH WE HOPE WILL PROVIDE RENEWED INTEREST AND NEW
MARKETS FOR AKLAN AND BORACAY ISLAND.

IN ADDITION, WE ALSO HAVE INITIATED DISCUSSIONS WITH TAIWAN
REPRESENTATIVES FOR A TOURISM BLITZ FOCUSED ON
TAIWANESE TOURISTS TO FURTHER SOLIDIFY OUR TOURISM
PRESENCE IN TAIWAN AND INCREASE TAIWANESE TOURISTS IN
BORACAY ISLAND.

IN SUPPORT OF OUR GOALS FOR CLOSER INTEGRATION OF AKLAN
MAINLAND’S AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE AND BORACAY ISLAND’S
FOOD REQUIREMENTS, THE 2024 AKLAN AGRI-AQUA TRADE FAIR –
TRADITIONALLY HELD IN THE AKLAN CAPITOL GROUNDS DURING

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27
AKLAN DAY CELEBRATION – WAS BROUGHT TO BORACAY ISLAND
FOR THE FIRST TIME BY THE OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL
AGRICULTURE. THE 26 BOOTHS FROM OUR 17 MUNICIPALITIES, THE
PRIVATE SECTOR AND NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES WERE
WARMLY RECEIVED BY TOURISTS, HOTEL AND RESORTS AND
RESTAURANTS IN THE ISLAND.

I AM HAPPY TO REPORT THAT OUR FULLY OPERATIONAL AKLAN
GRAINS PROCESSING CENTER (AGPC) IS NOW FULFILLING ITS ROLE
OF STABILIZING THE BUYING PRICE OF PALAY AS WE PURCHASE
PALAY AT HIGHER THAN PREVAILING PRICE.

TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES, WE HAVE
EXPANDED OUR CAPACITY. OUR NEWLY INSTALLED CORN MILL HAS
A CAPACITY OF 200KG PER HOUR. AND IN ADDITION TO OUR 3 OLD
DRYERS, WE HAVE ALSO INSTALLED 2 NEW DRYERS WITH A
CAPACITY OF 80 TO 120 BAGS PER LOAD FOR EACH DRYER.

LAST YEAR, OUR MILLS HAVE SERVED 140 RICE FARMERS AND 5
FARMER ASSOCIATIONS AND FOR THE FIRST SEMESTER OF 2024, IT
HAS ALREADY CATERED TO 70 RICE FARMERS AND 8 FARMER
ASSOCIATIONS. WE EXPECT THIS NUMBER TO INCREASE AS WE
ALSO EXPAND OUR MILLING CAPACITY.

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THE P54 MILLION STATE OF THE ART RICE MILL (SATAKE) WHICH I
MENTIONED IN MY 2023 SOPA WILL BE OFFICIALLY TURNED OVER

SOON TO THE PROVINCE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE-
PHILMECH. THE RICE MILL, WHICH COMMENCED CONSTRUCTION

LAST FEBRUARY 2024, IS ONLY TWO OF ITS KIND IN WESTERN
VISAYAS. IT HAS A LARGE CAPACITY OF 2 TO 3 TONS PER HOUR,
WITH A SORTER AND IS ABLE TO PRODUCE REGULAR UP TO
PREMIUM RICE DEPENDING ON THE CLIENT’S PREFERENCE.

AS A DEMO FARM PROVIDING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO
FARMERS, OUR PROVINCIAL GREENHOUSE PROJECT INTRODUCED
A COFFEE GARDEN, IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING FOUR
GREENHOUSES, TWO RAINSHELTER FACILITY, COMMUNAL
GARDEN, NURSERY AND A POST HARVEST FACILITY.

ON THE OTHER HAND, OUR AKLAN PROVINCIAL FRESHWATER
TILAPIA HATCHERY HAS NOW EXPANDED TO INCLUDE A
FRESHWATER PRAWN AS WELL AS A CRAYFISH FARM. PRODUCTION
FROM THESE HATCHERY HAS PROVIDED US WITH 393,153 PIECES
WHICH WE HAVE DISTRIBUTED TO 314 RECIPIENTS FROM THE
PERIOD OF JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2023. FOR THE FIRST
SEMESTER OF 2024, WE HAVE ALREADY DISTRIBUTED 103,000
PIECES TO 40 LGUS, 10 ASSOCIATIONS AND 37 WALK-INS.

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29
LAST YEAR, WE EXPECTED THAT THE AGRI-AQUA TRAINING CENTER
AND DORMITORY WILL CATER TO INCREASING NUMBER OF
CLIENTS. OUR EXPECTATIONS WERE EXCEEDED AS IT HAS SERVED
4,867 LAST YEAR AND FOR THIS YEAR, WE HAVE ALMOST REACHED
THIS NUMBER WITHIN THE FIRST SEMESTER WITH 4,081 CLIENTS.

LAST SOPA, I ALSO MENTIONED THE KOREA INTERNATIONAL
COOPERATION AGENCY FUNDED SMART GREENHOUSES WORTH
P100 MILLION. I AM HAPPY TO REPORT THAT CONSTRUCTION IS
NOW ONGOING FOR THE 10 SMART GREENHOUSES.

ASIDE FROM THESE, THE BENEFITS OF THE AGRICULTURAL
INVESTMENTS IMPLEMENTED THROUGH THE PARTNERSHIP OF
WORLD BANK, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE PROVINCE
OF AKLAN UNDER THE PHILIPPINE RURAL DEVELOPMENT
PROJECTS (PRDP) IS STARTING BEING FELT BY OUR FARMERS,
TRADERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES. WITH SPECIAL FOCUS ON
COMMODITIES LIKE ABACA, OYSTER, COCONUT, SWINE, NATIVE
CHICKEN, AND GOAT, FARMERS ARE NOW REPORTING INCREASED
INCOME AND BETTER ACCESSIBILITY TO MARKET CENTERS. TO
DATE, THE PROVINCE HAS ALREADY IMPLEMENTED PROJECTS
AMOUNTING TO P834 MILLION INCLUDING THE PROVINCIAL
COUNTERPART. WE ARE NOW WORKING ON THE 17.9 KILOMETER
REHABILITATION / IMPROVEMENT OF POBLACION – TIGBAWAN –
ALAS-AS – MAMBA – MEDINA – PANIPIASON FARM TO MARKET ROAD

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WHICH INCLUDES TWO BRIDGES ESTIMATED TO COST P620 MILLION
PESOS.

IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT ROADS DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTE TO
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. SHARING THIS BELIEF, ROADS REMAIN
THE TYPE OF INFRASTRUCTURE THAT HAS THE LARGEST SHARE IN
OUR ANNUAL BUDGET. FROM JULY 2023 TO AUGUST 2024, THE
PROVINCIAL ENGINEERING OFFICE IMPLEMENTED 56 ROAD
PROJECTS (ECONOMIC), FOLLOWED BY 32 HOSPITAL PROJECTS
(HEALTH AND SOCIAL PROTECTION) AND IN THIRD, 27 SCHOOL
PROJECTS (EDUCATION), REFLECTING THE PRIORITIES OF THE
PROVINCE.

WE ARE FORTUNATE THAT THE LIMITED RESOURCES OF THE
PROVINCE ARE PROPPED UP BY ASSISTANCE FROM SENATORS
LOREN LEGARDA AND JINGGOY ESTRADA FOR THE REHABILITATION
OF THE ABL SPORTS AND CULTURAL CENTER AMOUNTING TO P60
MILLION AND USWAG ILONGGO CONGRESSMAN JOJO ANG FOR
ANOTHER P50 MILLION. IN ADDITION, USWAG ILONGGO
CONGRESSMAN JOJO ANG ALSO EXTENDED P78 MILLION FOR THE
EXPANSION OF CALANGCANG SPORTS COMPLEX. AND SENATOR
JOEL VILLANUEVA PROVIDED ANOTHER P95 MILLION FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE AKLAN SPORTS TRAINING AND WELLNESS
CENTER. ALL OF THESE ARE NOW ONGOING CONSTRUCTION.

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31
IN ADDITION, WE HAVE ALSO CONDUCTED NEGOTIATIONS WITH
TAIWANESE INVESTORS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SOLAR FARMS
IN AKLAN TO ADVOCATE RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AS WELL
AS PROMOTE EFFICIENT UTILIZATION OF ENERGY AMIDST
INCREASED ELECTRICITY REQUIREMENTS OF THESE EXPANDED
STRUCTURES.

WE ARE CONVINCED THAT WE ARE IN THE RIGHT TRACK AS SHOWN
IN OUR ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE AND COMPETITIVENESS.

THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN IS RECOGNIZED AS THE MOST
COMPETITIVE PROVINCE IN WESTERN VISAYAS IN THE PREVIOUS
YEARS AS WELL AS IN THE LATEST 2023 RANKINGS OF WESTERN
VISAYAS PROVINCES BY THE NATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS
COUNCIL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY BASED
ON THE TOTAL SCORES FROM THE 4 PILLARS OF ECONOMIC
DYNAMISM, GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND
RESILIENCY AND INNOVATION. AMONG ALL 82 PROVINCES OF THE
PHILIPPINES, AKLAN IMPROVED ITS RANK TO 25TH MOST
COMPETITIVE PROVINCE FROM 31ST IN 2022.

THE DTI – AKLAN ALSO REPORTED THAT BUSINESS NAME
REGISTRATION HAS INCREASED WITH DTI FACILITATING 4,215
APPLICANTS FROM THE FIRST SEMESTER OF 2024 REPRESENTING
ALREADY 66% OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICANTS IN 2023.

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THE SECOND HINIGURAN IT AKEANON TRADE FAIR HELD DURING
AKLAN DAY CELEBRATION LAST APRIL 2024 SAW AN INCREASE OF
MSME EXHIBITORS FROM 55 IN 2023 TO 75 IN 2024 WITH SALES
INCREASE FROM P16.3M IN 2023 TO P17.672 MILLION IN 2024.
INCIDENTALLY, THIS REINVIGORATED ACTIVITY GARNERED THE
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF AKLAN THE RECOGNITION OF
OUTSTANDING DEVELOPMENT PARTNER FOR CREATING /
IMPROVING BUSINESS CLIMATE IN THE RECENTLY HELD
CONFERMENT OF AWARDS BY THE DTI IN ILOILO CITY.

WE ALSO EXPECT THAT THE CREATIVITY OF AKLANONS WILL HAVE
A BOOST THROUGH THE AKLAN INNOVATORS HUB FABRICATION
LABORATORY WHICH HAD ITS GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY LAST
JUNE 2024 AT THE ASU COLLEGE OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY.

WE ARE ALSO FURTHER ENCOURAGED BY THE REPORT OF THE
PHILIPPINE STATISTICAL AUTHORITY (PSA) THAT AKLAN’S
ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE POSTED A DOUBLE DIGIT GDP ANNUAL
GROWTH RATE OF 22.5 PERCENT, THE FASTEST AMONG THE
PROVINCES IN THE 16 REGIONS IN 2022. AKLAN ALSO POSTED THE
TOP GROWTH RATE OF 29.2% IN THE GROSS VALUE ADDED (GVA)
OF SERVICES IN 2022 AMONG PROVINCES AS WELL AS HIGHLY
URBANIZED CITIES.

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THIS GROWTH CONTINUES IN 2023 AS PSA ALSO REPORTED THAT
THE ECONOMY OF AKLAN CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE, GROWING
BY 9.5% AND EXCLUDING HIGHLY URBANIZED CITIES, AKLAN HAS
THE FASTEST GROWING ECONOMY AMONG THE PROVINCES IN
WESTERN VISAYAS.

COST OF LIVING IN AKLAN IS ALSO LOWER THAN OTHER PROVINCES
IN WESTERN VISAYAS AS PER PRELIMINARY 2023 FIRST SEMESTER
OFFICIAL POVERTY STATISTICS OF PSA.

AKLAN ALSO HAD THE LOWEST POVERTY AND SUBSISTENCE

INCIDENCE LEVELS AMONG THE SIX PROVINCES AND TWO HIGHLY-
URBANIZED CITIES OF WESTERN VISAYAS IN THE FIRST HALF OF

2023, AND NOW CATEGORIZED AS A LEAST POOR PROVINCE.

AND ANOTHER GOOD NEWS THAT I JUST RECEIVED IS THE MUCH
AWAITED ISSUANCE OF DEPARTMENT ORDER 074-2024 WHICH
RECLASSIFIES AKLAN FROM 2ND CLASS TO 1ST CLASS PROVINCE.
WE HAD LONG CONTENDED THAT AKLAN IS ALREADY 1ST CLASS
PROVINCE BY VIRTUE OF ITS INCOME, AND THIS DEPARTMENT
ORDER SIGNED BY DOF SECRETARY RALPH RECTO SERVES AS AN
OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION OF THE NEW INCOME CLASSIFICATION ON
AKLAN, OUR RECLASSIFICATION WILL HAVE A DIRECT EFFECT ON
THE AIDS, GRANTS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THAT THE
PROVINCE CAN RECEIVE; IT WILL ALSO BE A BASIS FOR THE

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DETERMINATION OF THE FINANCIAL CAPABILITY OF LGUS TO
UNDERTAKE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. IT WILL ALSO HAVE AN
IMPACT TO COMPENSATION ADJUSTMENT FOR LGU PERSONNEL
AND IN THE MINIMUM WAGE OF DOMESTIC WORKERS.

OUR RENEWED CONFIDENCE IN OUR GROWING ECONOMY IS ALSO
SHARED BY OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS BOTH HERE AND ABROAD.
THROUGH OUR PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OFFICE WHICH WE
UPGRADED TO THE NEWLY CREATED OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT SERVICE MANAGER (OPPESM), 10,694
APPLICANTS WERE SUCCESSFULLY PLACED OR EMPLOYED OUT OF
10,734 LOCAL AND OVERSEAS JOB VACANCIES SOLICITED FOR THE
PERIOD OF JANUARY 2023 TO JUNE 2024. OUR JOB FAIRS CONTINUE
TO YIELD HIRED ON THE SPOT (HOTS) APPLICANTS.

INDUSTRIES FROM SOUTH KOREA, HAVE FORGED MEMORANDA OF
UNDERSTANDING WITH LGUS IN AKLAN FOR THEIR SEASONAL
WORKERS, NOTABLY WANDO-GUN AND UISEONG-GUN. TO DATE,
WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY DEPLOYED 264 AKLANONS TO SOUTH
KOREA. SOON, WE WILL ALSO FACILITATE THE DEPLOYMENT OF
SEASONAL WORKERS TO JAPAN AND GREECE TO PROVIDE
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR AKLANONS.

WE HAVE ALSO ENTERED INTO A MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING
WITH OTHER NATIONS SUCH AS TAIWAN WHERE WE WILL BE

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OFFERING INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS FOR AKLANON STUDENTS WHO
WILL RECEIVE AT MOST 50% OF THE MINIMUM WAGE IN TAIWAN
AMOUNTING TO P20,000 TO P30,000 FOR 6 MONTHS UP TO ONE
YEAR.

WE HAVE ALSO SIGNED MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING WITH
VARIOUS JAPANESE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS SUCH AS KOCHI
PREFECTURE FOR THE DEPLOYMENT OF ON-THE-JOB-TRAINEES
WITH POSSIBILITIES OF FULL EMPLOYMENT FOR JAPAN RAILWAYS
COMMENCING ON JANUARY 2025; CITY GOVERNMENT OF
HAMAMATSU, AN INDUSTRIAL CITY, HOME TO SUZUKI
HEADQUARTERS AND HONDA AND YAMAHA FACTORIES FOR
DEPLOYMENT OF AKLANON WORKERS; AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
UNIT OF MORIGUCHI WHERE AN INITIAL 20 FARM WORKERS WERE
DEPLOYED THROUGH A DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS
(DMW) LICENSED AGENCY.

FIFTEEN PGA EMPLOYEES WERE ALSO SENT TO SOUTH KOREA IN
COLLABORATION WITH KOICA AND GWANGJU METROPOLITAN CITY
FOR TRAINING ON VOLUNTEERISM PROGRAMS WHICH WE HOPE TO
DUPLICATE HERE IN AKLAN BY ESTABLISHING A VOLUNTEER
CENTER IN THE PROVINCE.

ALL OF THESE ARE TESTAMENTS TO THE QUALITY OF OUR HUMAN
RESOURCES HERE IN AKLAN.

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SAFETY, PEACE AND ORDER IS IMPORTANT IN A GROWING
ECONOMY AS THE PRESENCE OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES DERAIL THE
GAINS OF A PRODUCTIVE COMMUNITY. THROUGH OUR ACTIVE
AKLAN PROVINCIAL PEACE AND ORDER COUNCIL AND AKLAN
PROVINCIAL ANTI-DRUG ABUSE COUNCIL, WE HAVE KEPT AKLAN
SAFE AND PEACEFUL FOR AKLANONS. IN FACT, WE HAVE RECEIVED
A PLAQUE OF RECOGNITION LAST DECEMBER 2023 FOR GARNERING
A 100% HIGH FUNCTIONALITY RATING IN THE 2022 PEACE AND
ORDER COUNCIL PERFORMANCE AUDIT. THANKS TO OUR AKLAN
PROVINCIAL POLICE OFFICE, THERE IS ALSO AN INTENSIFIED
CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLEGAL DRUGS, LOOSE FIREARMS, ILLEGAL
GAMBLING, ARREST OF WANTED PERSONS, ILLEGAL FISHING, AND
ILLEGAL LOGGING.

IN COORDINATION WITH OUR POLICE FORCE, PENRO- AKLAN IS
ALSO CONDUCTING APPREHENSIONS OF UNDOCUMENTED FOREST
PRODUCTS INCLUDING NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCT VEHICLES,
EQUIPMENT AND OTHER IMPLEMENTS THRU PROPER CHANNELS.
HENCE, IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT THE DENR’S NATIONAL
GREENING PROGRAM WHICH THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF
AKLAN FULLY JOINS THROUGH THE AKLAN ENVIRONMENT AND
NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICE (AKENRO) ANNUAL ARBOR DAY
CELEBRATION.

Final as of 04 December 2024, 11:17PM

37
TOGETHER, WE HAVE ACHIEVE ALL OF THESE THINGS AND
TOGETHER WE WILL ACCOMPLISH MUCH MORE. I AM SINCERELY
THANKFUL TO HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH RELIABLE PARTNERS
WHO SHARE MY VISION FOR A UNITED, PROGRESSIVE AND
SUSTAINABLE AKLAN. THESE ARE SHARED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
WITH THE NATIONAL AGENCIES, UNIFORMED PERSONNEL, THE
ACADEME AND SCHOOLS, THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE CIVIL
SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS, PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATIONS, SECTORAL
GROUPS, VOLUNTEER GROUPS, RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY, LOCAL
GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVES, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS. SPECIAL
MENTION TO VICE GOVERNOR, AND THE MEMBERS OF THE
SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN. THANKS ALSO TO MY DEPARTMENT
AND OFFICE HEADS WHO WORKED HARD TO REALIZE MY GOALS.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, TO ALL AKLANONS WHO HAVE PUT THEIR
FAITH IN ME AS THEIR LEADER.

AS WE MOVE FORWARD, I IMPLORE EVERYONE TO CONTINUE
SUPPORTING THIS ADMINISTRATION AND FURTHER SOLIDIFY THE
STATUS OF PROVINCE OF AKLAN AS AN EXEMPLARY MODEL OF
GOOD GOVERNANCE.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND LET US CONTINUE TO WORK
TOGETHER FOR ONE AKLAN, ACT ONE , AKONE!