Governor Solon bares secrets to a prosperous Sarangani

By JOY R. SEVILLA

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 28, 2013) – Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon delivered a strong and sound message during the opening of the 21st Foundation Anniversary and 11th Munato Festival Thursday (November 28) disclosing the ingredients and secrets to prosperity which is very applicable to a thriving province like Sarangani.

Solon said that for the past years, Sarangani has been making great strides in fostering development, however, he added that “we still need to develop a lot more.”

“Kailangan nating iangat at isulong ang Sarangani dahil ang katotohanan ay kabilang pa tayo sa pinakamahihirap na probinsiya sa ating bansa at hindi natin ito dapat itago,” said Solon.

Thus, Solon bared the secrets and ingredients to prosperity, which, he said, should be embraced and understood by heart by every leader even in the grassroots level which is the barangays.

He said to attain prosperity, three things should be applied and these are God-centered governance, synergy of all leaders, and sustainable development.

“We have a lot of plans and sometimes nakakalimutan natin na dapat natin i-sentro ang lahat sa Diyos, yun ang dapat unang-unang maintindihan,” he said.

“Everyone must also take part in development, dapat may interaction and cooperation ang lahat ng leaders,” he added.

Solon further asserted that barangay captains should be ready to the idea of opening up their respective areas to potential investors.

“Dapat maging agresibo tayo kasi itong mga investments na papasok sa probinsiya ay may malaking epekto. It will not only bring economic development, but job generation at marami ang matutulungan,” he explained.

Lastly, Solon stressed that while welcoming new opportunities from potential investors, everyone should be conscious on how to protect the environment.

“We should have sustainable development, protektahan natin ang likas na yaman. That is why we are strengthening our Environment Conservation and Protection Center (ECPC),” he said.

Meanwhile, Congressman Manny Pacquiao, who also gave a message during the opening program, said that every Sarangan should value excellence to acquire and maintain growth and development.

“We boldly declare that Sarangans are history makers and I believe that to be a history maker, we should be wise in making decisions, we should value excellence aron padayon ta sa pag-asenso,” he said.

Pacquiao, who won in his recent fight, also extended his thanks to those who supported him. He also administered the oath of office of the newly-elected local barangay officials during the opening program.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, on the other hand, who was invited to be the guest speaker, was not able to grace the occasion due to some urgencies. (Joy R. Sevilla/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)