In his recent 2nd State of the Province Address (SOPA) on October 3, Governor Victorino Dennis M. Socrates proudly unveiled a series of noteworthy projects and programs implemented during his one-year tenure as the head of the Palawan Provincial Government.
These initiatives align with the administration’s commitment to good governance, community engagement, cultural preservation, and artistic advancement.
Notably, Palawan commemorated the 400th year of Christianity in 2023, an event marked by successful celebrations.
The Governor’s Residence was also transformed into the Palaweño Museum, and ongoing construction efforts around it coincided with the launch of the Quadricentennial printing of “History of Palawan” by G. Diokno Manlavi.
The Provincial Government also introduced a new Provincial Government of Palawan Seal, featuring symbols emblematic of the province, a result of discussions held during the Palawan Summit in the previous year.
Other significant launches included the 1st PGP Literary Awards and efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site status for the Tabon Caves Complex in Quezon town through the Culture and Arts Program.
The governor also highlighted the continuous provision of essential frontline services, particularly in the field of education.
Additionally, the SPS Alay sa Kabataan program allocated 50 million pesos to support aspiring medical students, resulting in 152 licensed medical professionals.
Moreover, funds of 47 million pesos were allocated for non-medical courses, along with a commitment to provide scholarships for the new Palawan State University School of Medicine and vocational course scholarships under TESDA.
In terms of the economy and livelihood, Governor Socrates emphasized the efforts of the Provincial Tourism Promotions and Development Office (PTPDO) in boosting tourism.
Increased international and domestic flights are projected to bring over 1 million tourists to the province by the end of 2023. The PPD has registered a total of 6,782 businesses and companies in the province, and the Provincial Public Employment Services Office (PESO) continues to provide employment services.
The government also recognized programs like the Community-Based Gender and Development (CBGAD) Livelihood Enhancement Program, initiatives such as the Dumaran Salt Processing Center and Bataraza Dried Fruits Processing Center under the Climate Resiliency and Green Growth (CRGG) Program, and various lending programs and cooperatives aimed at improving residents’ livelihoods.
Governor Socrates acknowledged that the 44 million pesos allocated for agriculture and fisheries in 2023 were relatively modest and hinted at plans to increase or possibly double this fund in 2024.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) prioritized Rural Agricultural Centers (RAC) improvement and the expansion of maritime production through the Fish Catch and Aquaculture Enhancement Program.
Additionally, the governor praised the swift response of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian in containing the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Magsaysay town.
He also commended the implementation of the Rabies Eradication Program and other initiatives for livestock and farm animals.
Governor Socrates touched upon the mining sector’s importance to Palawan’s economy, acknowledging its controversial nature. Plans were revealed to hold a Mining Industry summit in the first quarter of 2024 to address legal aspects and engage the opinions of Palaweños.
He emphasized priority programs for general welfare, funded with 291 million pesos, covering a wide range of initiatives, including Palawan Rescue, support for victims of human trafficking and violence against women and children (VAWC) through the Bahay Pag-Asa Youth Center and Lualhati Women Center, Local Social Pension, Mental Health Services, drug problem mitigation, and the Peace and Order Program.
The governor declared the province insurgency-free due to the efforts of the military, police, and PGP agencies.
Despite numerous infrastructure projects in the past decade, the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) and Provincial Equipment Pool Office (PEPO) continue to maintain 1,200 kilometers of provincial roads and construct essential facilities.
Notable ongoing infrastructure projects include the Tubbataha Ranger Station, funded by nearly 100 million pesos from the National Government, and the Sheltered Port in Kalayaan, funded by the Department of Transportation (DOTR) with 1.2 billion pesos, both overseen by the PGP.
The proposed 2024 budget includes the San Fernando RORO port in El Nido, covering its terminal and access road.
The Provincial Government is also discussing borrowing P2B pesos for the construction of the Northern and Southern Palawan PGP Government Centers, concreting provincial roads, and implementing flood control projects.
Governor Socrates also acknowledged the recognition and awards received under his administration, including the Gawad Kalasag Seal for the Local DRRM Council and Officers, Beyond Compliant recognition in the MIMAROPA Region for the PDRRMO, high satisfaction from clients of frontline offices, and compliance with Anti-Red Tape Authority requirements. The formation of the Provincial People’s Council for citizen participation in governance is in progress.
In the end, he urged all government employees to serve with righteousness and dedication and expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to Palawan’s progress, leaving a message of unity and goodwill for the people of Palawan.