By LIWAY M. YPARRAGUIRRE
P/Star Associate Editor

LINGAYEN –Pangasinan Governor Victor E. Agbayani delivered last Friday his ninth state of the province address, his last report to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan before bowing out by June, this year on his final term..

“It has been a remarkable journey, an extraordinary time of challenge and victory, a God-given opportunity to serve our fellowmen,” Agbayani described his full-term service to the province.

“In the nine years of our administration we have worked hard for the reliable delivery of solid projects and programs and the efficient use of our resources. We have strived to firmly uphold principles and fairness and achieve political peace and stability in the province while rendering a democratic leadership with integrity and the common touch,” he remarked.

The governor, however, gave an open ended statement on whether his wife Dr. Jamie Eloise Agbayani will run for the position he will soon vacate.

“Many grassroots leaders have expressed the desire for continuity – continuity of our programs and the continuity of this brand of leadership and service,” Agbayani stated.

Acknowledging the presence of his mother, Teresita, and wife Jamie, he said in jest that he that he better not miss mentioning his wife because “if she runs for office I may end up becoming her first gentleman.”

In his report card presented to the provincial board presided by Vice Gov. Oscar B. Lambino, the governor mentioned the provincial government’s accomplishments in the areas of agriculture and infrastructure; housing, livelihood and jobs; health; population management; tourism and investments; environment; and revenue generation.

He reported that the P300 million loan the province secured at the Land Bank, with the authority of the provincial board, has begun to fund the implementation of major infrastructure projects.

These projects, Agbayani explained, will further boost agricultural productivity, expand and improve networks of roads and bridges, as well as, the impact on commerce, tourism and industry in Pangasinan.

Also, lot titles at the Maniboc Socialized Housing Project had been awarded to qualified beneficiaries. Two resettlement areas, namely, the Lingayen Gulf Resettlement Project and the Libsong Resettlement Project will serve in the future hundreds of informal settlers, he said.

In the health front, Agbayani said an intensive care unit, laboratory and additional rooms were constructed at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital. On the other hand, P28.6 million from the loan proceeds will be earmarked for the rehabilitation and improvement of all district and community hospitals in the province early this year.

On environmental concerns,. Agbayani reported that the province will receive a grant from the Netherlands government for a six-ton vessel to be used by the Provincial Coastal Law Enforcement Task Force in patrolling the Lingayen Gulf. The task force is composed of personnel from the provincial government, PNP maritime, the Coast Guard, Navy, the DENR, BFAR and the office of the prosecutor.

In revenue generation, Agbayani said even though the provincial government awaits the resolution in the Central Board of Assessment Appeals of the real property tax payment for the year 2006 of the Mirant Corporation and National Power Corporation, “by and large, the province continues to maintain its status as number one in assessment and real property tax collection in Region 1.”