The 2013 State of the Province Address of Gov. Arthur "Dodo" Y. Pingoy Jr., M.D

7/29/2019 The 2013 State of the Province Address of Gov. Arthur "Dodo" Y. Pingoy Jr., M.D.

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RESTORATION, RESURGENCE AND REDEMPTION

Honorable Vice-Governor Elmo B. Tolosa, Honorable Members of

the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Regional and Provincial Directors of

various National Government Agencies, Members of the Armed Forces

and the Philippine National Police, Provincial Department Heads,

Municipal Mayors, Vice Mayors, Sangguniang Bayan members, barangayofficials, NGO and private sector representatives, representatives from

the academe, friends, and distinguished guests, my fellow South

Cotabateos, Good Morning.


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My friends and fellow South Cotabateos:

The things that we love tell us what we are,

This quote came from St. Thomas Aquinas, foremost theologianand philosopher and one of the church fathers, whose feast day falls

today.


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It is with much jubilation and humble gladness that we are

gathered here to speak about the things that we hold dear, about what

we have gone through in our collective pursuit to define our identity and

pride as a people and about what risks and sacrifices we can dare take

on in the coming months to ensure these gains are safeguarded and

upheld.

Barely 19 months ago I rendered my report to you on the State of

the Province and gave you a truthful depiction of the early struggles and

the overwhelming challenges that we had, as well as the tasks and

initiatives that we have instigated to achieve our vision for South

Cotabato.

It is through the wings of perseverance and the prayer of tenacity

that we meet again today: prouder, more empowered, and still

beholden to nobody except our children and their future.

Allow me to define this years SOPA as well as the theme of my

governance into: Restoration, Resurgence and Redemption.


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That is: we have restored the respect and integrity of publicservice to its rightful place, made the province resurgent with the strides

we had in all aspects of everyday life that truly mattered, and redeemed

not only for ourselves but for our children the promise of a better life.

Indeed, here is the place and now is the time to remember that

for South Cotabateos, the final affirmation about the nature and motiveof all our hard work is contained in the bright future we seek to build for

our children and their generation.


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Though the cooperation of our public officials-from our provincialleaders all the way to our city and municipal public servants, and down

to our barangays and sitio captains we have restored our peoples

faith in an effective and ethical leadership that consciously steered clear

of what Gandhi defined as seven deadly sins:

Wealth without workPleasure without conscience

Science without humanity

Knowledge without character


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Politics without principle

Commerce without morality

Worship without sacrifice.

Through the dedication of our government agencies and the

resilient and hardworking men and women of the rank and file, we have

restored our peoples high regard for the man-in-uniform, teacher,forest ranger, midwife, garbage collector, utility driver, janitor, and

countless others the real heroes in our midst. Unsung maybe, but

deeply appreciated.


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Unnoticed in all our pomp and pageantry perhaps, but respected

and treasured in our collective heartbeat and shared gratitude, kamo

ang tuod ngaAMO NA YA!,ang tuod nga karubkob sang probinsiya

kag ang tunay nga salandigan sang aton mabinungahon nga

palaabuton.

Through the discernment and vision of our private sector, we have

restored the integrity of public office as a public trust and a sacred duty.

We have seen how a genuine and transparent leadership could

entice the private sector to step back, think hard and deep, and finally

trust the government enough to get into a public-private partnership

(PPP) that will not only benefit both parties but above all, provide

merchandise, services, goodwill and lasting relationships that empower,

enlighten and enrich every South Cotabateos life like never before.


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Though the valuable involvement and heartfelt commitment of

every citizen to uphold the rule of law and the basic tenets of respectful

and respecting relationships, we have restored order in both our

ordinary lives and our extraordinary pursuits for happiness, peace and

well being.


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Well beyond what I called in my inaugural speech the braying

dogs which lacking any broader vision or sense of purpose about

themselves, they embrace the sensation that fighting gives them.

They will do anything to bring us into their arena of confrontation

to ratify their existence. But we have already learned enough not toengage these people.


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In the past, I shared with you the advocacies that I have sworn to

promote and to protect good governance, universal health care,

affordable and relevant educational system, clean and sustainable

environment, lasting peace and genuine security, and a growing

economy that never sidesteps transparency, never cuts concerns and

condemning corruption, and never sweeps dirt under the rug for

personal gains.


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To succeed in installing an administration that will make a

difference, I enjoined all our officials and agencies in outlining the basic

steps and the comprehensive field guide that served as our roadmap for

prosperity: starting with simple guidelines on punctuality and the No

Noon Break policy to exhaustive measures with the long-arching goals

and unprecedented commitment to quality, justice and social

responsibility.

While we are still burdened with the nagging problems and the

harsh realities confronting our people poverty, disease, illiteracy,

calamity, social unrest your Governor has never lost sight of the vision

towards a great prosperous South Cotabato, and has remained steadfast

in his conviction to attain meaningful and rewarding breakthrough in

these areas. Slowly but surely, we have indeed moved forward.

That is why I was deeply worried when the approval of the 2013

Annual Budget by the Sanggunian Panlalawigan seemed out of our

grasp. With only a re-enacted budget at the start of the year, we had

limited resources and near-empty reserves to continuously fuel the

engines of our active government agencies and pumped up public-

private partnership to unsure that the wheels of social and economic

advancements are constantly grinding.


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We could have lost our momentum. We could have easily

squandered away the gains we had worked so hard for. Thus, I am

deeply indebted to Vice Governor Elmo Tolosa and the Six Legislators

who stood their ground.

I am overwhelmed and humbled by their noble and unselfish

gesture in responding to their sublime calling to ensure the passage ofthe 2013 Annual Budget last December 28, 2012. Because of the timely

approval of the budget, we are moving in accordance with our roadmap

and are excitedly back on track.


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We salute the six Kinatawans for their courage and

statesmanship and for this they deserve our warmest and loudest

applause. They are Honorables Jose Madanguit, Cecile Diel, Ervin

Luntao, Samuel Ladot, Jose Henry Aguirre and Pablito Subere.

During the initial year of my administration, we have set the

fundamentals for good governance and crafted the blueprint for

sustainable growth.


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We have charted our plan of action through the Executive

Legislative Agenda (ELA) and we shall see to it that we remain faithful

to it, without excuses, without compromise and without reservations.

Since the countless problems had to be addressed with limited

resources, we had to look for innovative and unprecedented approaches

without sacrificing quality, transparency, humanity, and yes, most

especially, our dignity.

Your Governor did not shy away from the challenges of time, place

and circumstances, much more to individuals whose motives are foul;

their dealings, shady; simply themselves and never the best interest of

the majority.

Certainly, there were risks and setbacks along the way, to which I

know I am accountable for, but that is part of public service.

Underneath all the struggles and battles on one hand and the obvious

limitations and vulnerability as a human being on the other, I can

reassure you that I can still hear that voice that calls to me beyond the

merely logical or self-preserving, and in listening to that glimmer of soul,

I find refuge and encouragement.

Sometimes it is so weak I mistake its murmur for a rustle of wind

through the leaf or a splash of fish swimming in the pond. But taking it

into the core of the challenges and trials of public office, it often serves

to remind me of my covenant with the people of South Cotabato.


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We departed from the trodden paths that were never effective in

the first place, veered away from practices that are outdated as they

are irrelevant, steered clear of unproven shortcuts, ignored the

ceaseless yelping of dogs and other creatures, and came out with

outside-of-the-box solutions. St. Thomas Aquinas put it clearly when he

wrote If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he

would keep it in port forever.

And I will never be that captain. With your support and your trust,

we shall set sail together for countless ports that promise happiness

without neglect, harmony without travesty, and hegemony without

conceit. Yes, even beyond rough seas and stormy weather, South

Cotabato will endure and survive.

As a consequence of prudence, innovation and collective labor on

the part of the government, coupled with the resilience, commitment

and support of the general public, we have indeed restored South

Cotabato into one shining province we can be proud to call our home.


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But St. Thomas Aquinas also admonished us Better to illuminatethan merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than

merely to contemplate.

We saw a resurgent South Cotabato in the past couple of years,

and I share with you the pride that beams up and overpowers the

provincial official every time the province is recognized for itspioneering, innovative or simply inspiring programs and initiatives.


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Consider the following:

South Cotabato emerged as Regional Winner for the GawadPamana ng Lahi for achieving effective, transparent and

accountable local governance. For this we received P 3Million cash incentives.


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We ranked No. 5among 80 provinces in the country in theLocal Government Performance Measurement System

(LGPMS). We were also conferred the Seal of Good

Housekeeping for promoting the advancement of

transparency and accountability. With this we received the

cash incentive of P 7 Million. Thank you to DirectorJosephine Leysa whose efforts has also been recognized by

DILG 12 as the Best Provincial Office in the region.


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Number one in the region in health care delivery,consistently one of the Top 15 Provinces in the country in

the delivery of health services. Thank you Dr. Rogelio

Aturdido for a job well done.


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CROWN Awardee in Nutrition for the 2nd consecutive yearand hopefully we will receive our Hall of Fame Award this

year. Thanks to Ana D. Uy, to her staff and the provincial

nutrition council members.


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Conferred the Most Business Friendly LGU award by thePhilippine Chamber of Commerce recognizing the provinces

efforts in advocating the promotion and development of

micro, small and medium scale enterprises. Thank you to the

South Cotabato Chamber of Commerce for the endorsement.


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Ranked No 1 in the region in Community Fund forAgriculture Development of the Mindanao Rural

Development Program (CFAD/MRDP) implementation. The

municipality of Tantangan was the top performing locality in

project implementation. I was informed by World Bank

Consultant in our meeting last January 15 that not only isSouth Cotabato number one in the Region but it is the BEST

in MINDANAO. Thank you Sir Danilo Supe, Justina

Navarrette and Sir Rey Legaste.


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Our Provincial Integrated Solid Waste Management Programis one of the most recognized and replicated in the entire

country. The Surallah Cluster Sanitary Landfill is recognized

by the Galing Pook Foundation as one of the best Local

Projects/ Initiatives in Solid Waste Management in the

country.


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Our very own Barangay Poblacion, Tupi, South Cotabato isbeing adjudged as among the Ten Most Outstanding LGUs

of the Philippines to be conferred with the Galing Pook

Awards by the Galing Pook Foundation; 1st Dungog sa

Barangay Award, Most Outstanding Barangay of the

Philippines by the Mass Media Organization; and 2012 Hallof Fame in Barangay Risk Reduction Management. My

warmest congratulations to Punong Barangay Joselito Yabut.


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In Education, the first batch of the 25 graduates of theUniversity of the Philippines School of Health Sciences South

Cotabato Extension Campus garnered a 100% passing rate

in the Midwifery Licensure Exam and two of the new

midwives, Ms. Jasmin Kasi Pelmin ( No. 4) and Daiseries Joy

Duco (No. 7) all from the Municipality of Polomolok placedin the Top Ten.


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Our Kabugwason-Paglaum Scholarship Program (KPSP)produced 28 graduates some of them with Magna Cum

Laude and Cum Laude Honors, while others topped their

respective board exams with Mr. Reyland Jehtro Torres as

No. 5 in Accountancy Board and Michelle Servias as No.2 in

Agricultural Engineering Board.


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I can go on and on about these heartwarming and good newsthat

make us proud as South Cotabatenos.

But our progress is not only measured by these achievements

alone but more so by the quality of life of our people, by the job

opportunities offered to them, by the three square meals they eat everyday, by the clean air they breathe and the safe water that they drink

and the stability of peace and order.


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Thats why we have to do more. We cannot be complacent with

what we have achieved. We will face adversities as challenges and

surmount them. We shall move closer to the attainment of our goals,

maybe plodding but unwavering. And we have been doing them for the

past 2 and half years and we will continue to do more than what weve

done.

We have never lost sight of our vision and have remained

steadfast in our conviction to make meaningful and gainful

breakthroughs in these areas of concern.

The signs of vitality and dynamism of our economy are

encouraging. More banks are opening. Investors are coming in. Private

construction is booming. Malls are expanding.

Yes, we are entering a stage in our provinces history when our

economy is flourishing.

In agriculture, despite crop infestation and the effects of climate

change, rice and corn production is improving. We have increased land

productivity with massive planting of high value commercial and

industrial crops. We strongly promoted the planting of fruit trees and

vegetables in schools and homes.


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The Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) distributed 40,000 hills ofassorted fruit trees and 600 kilos of assorted vegetable seeds to 17

schools and 21,000 households. Technology transfer and technical

assistance in inland fishery produced a total of 977 million tilapia

fingerlings from 2011 to 2012. Moreover, the provincial agriculture office

has been implementing various agricultural support programs of the

Department of Agriculture Region 12 to spur development of theagriculture sector. A total of 34,203,335 worth of projects had been

implemented to include support for the provision of pre and post

harvest facilities, palay seeds for calamity affected areas, high value


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commercial crop support program and technology support projects

among others. The province was also able to access P 8 Million from the

CFAD-MRDP which supported the plantation of 111 hectare rubber trees

in Tboli wherein the province provided a counterpart of P 2 Million.

Thanks to PAO Rey Legaste for his active leadership.

Through the initiatives and approaches undertaken by theprovince in the promotion of local products, micro, small and medium

enterprises (SME) remained resilient because of our marketing support,

access to financing and upgrading of equipment.


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The province launched the Credit Surety Fund by putting up 10%or P 5 Million of the surety fund while Central Bank made available P35

Million as initial fund thereby providing cooperatives with easy credit

access to embark on small and medium investment ventures. As we

speak, two cooperatives have availed of the surety fund The Multi-

Fruits Cooperative of Tboli for P5 Million and SOCOMECO for P10

Million.


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Livestock and hogs remain the provinces major exports to Metro

Manila and Metro Cebu. To protect this principal income-earner of the

province, regular veterinary extension services and disease monitoring

and surveillance are conducted province-wide.

Upgrading the genetics of locally-borne animals yielded 1,285artificially-inseminated livestock. To augment household incomes, the

province has dispersed 10,592 animals consisting of carabao, cattle,


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goats, chickens and ducks. Thanks to Dr. Lorna Lamorena and Dr. Raul

Teves.

Sufficient and safe infrastructure are designed and strategized to

generate jobs and support our agricultural and economic growth.

The farm-to-market roads we have constructed under the FoodSecurity Program will ensure access of commodities from key production

areas to the market. 14 mini-gyms costing a total of P18 Million were


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constructed in various barangays to enhance people empowerment and

support our grassroots sports development program.

Concreting of 7 road projects amounting to P44 million have been

completed. Rehabilitation and concreting of the Banga-Norala Road has

ensued phase by phase pending available funds. The concreting will

replace the inferior asphalt surfacing constructed by the previousadministration. Most of the road surface are now riddled with potholes

and is almost impassable. To complete the concreting of the remaining

12 kilometers will cost an estimated P120 Million.


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I have personally conferred with Secretary Alcala regarding thisproblem and he has advised me to submit a proposal. While waiting for

his approval of this project we have already appropriated P 23 Million to

continue the concreting. We have also started the concreting of the 4

lanes road at Barangay Cannery in Polomolok and appropriated P 10

Million for another kilometer. Thanks to Engr. Marnilo Aperocho for his

untiring efforts.


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We have enrolled 16,140 families under the Philhealth MedicalInsurance program and we will continue to expand implementation of

the Universal Coverage of The Philhealth Indigency Program based on

the Community Health Living Standard Survey (CHLSS) data to help

identify indigent families.


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We are also upgrading the services and facilities of our hospitalsthrough the utilization of the P26 Million fund from the Department of

Health for enhancement of health facilities.

Our partnership with Mahintana Foundation through the Health

Plus Shop in a Shop and various Party-List groups, such as the YACAP,

Bayan Muna, Akbayan, Kabataan, ACT Teachers, and with SenatorsTrillanes and Pangilinan, has ensured affordable medicines to poor

clients.


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While the South Cotabato Provincial hospital was upgraded to a

200-bed capacity Tertiary Hospital in 2008, it will be further

decongested with the completion and operation of the Allah Valley

Community Hospital this year.

The community hospital will serve the 5 Allah Valley Municipalitiesof Surallah, Lake Sebu, Tboli, Banga and Sto. Nino with special

attention to indigenous communities.


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The P53 Million community hospital is a Public-Private Partnershipproject with San Miguel Corporation donating P25 Million, The

Department of Health giving 28 Million pesos and the Municipality of

Suralla donating the five hectare lot. It is now 60% complete. Thanks

to Mr. Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation, Mayor Romulo Solivio Sr.

and the Department of Health for their support.


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Massive information drive and training activities were undertakenby the Provincial Health Office to reduce infant/child mortality, maternal

mortality and reduce infectious diseases such as TB, Malaria and

Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV-AIDS. As a result South

Cotabato is now Malaria-free as declared by the DOH. Thanks to Dr.

Rogelio Aturdido for his active leadership.

Hand in hand, our population program has shaped effectively-

managed families, responsible adolescents and gender-responsive


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populace. We are rightly proud of the 2012 Model Family of South

Cotabato Mr. and Mrs. Elpidio Boston of Polomolok.

Our locally-modified model on enhancing parenting and

responsible parenthood was recognized as the Most Outstanding Local

Practice in Population Management and Development in the Region last

2012.

The Responsible Adolescence Campaign is now substantially

contributing to the reduction of teenage pregnancies in the province.


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Gender mainstreaming is almost complete. The enactment of the

Provincial Gender and Development Code assures everyone that

regardless of age, sex, economic, religious and political affiliations one

can contribute to and equally benefit from development processes.

Thanks to Mr. Simforiano Farrofo.


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The province has partnered with the Alfonso T. Yuchengco

Foundation Inc. for free surgical missions. 151 clients availed of the free

surgical procedures for myoma/ovarian cysts, thyroid and cleft

lip/palate.

Likewise, in partnership with the Dental Seminars and Mission byBelgium.


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53 Belgian dentists and dental technicians came to our province

with Dr. Eric Sembrano, Operation Smile Foundation (Dr.Joselito

Sembrano), Davao Medical School Foundation School of Dentistry,

served a total of 6,110 dental and 45 surgical patients.

The largest dental mission conducted in the provinces history.


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Free health services were delivered to 16,953 to indigents and

indigenous peoples in the barangays during our summer medical and

dental missions aptly known as Halad ni Gov. Dodo Para sa Barangay

Health Improvement Program.


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Our massive campaign on rabies eradication through vaccination

has resulted to a significant decrease in the incidence of rabies in

humans.

Our collaboration of DOLE Philippines/Mahintana Foundations

Kapit-Bisig Para sa Kabataan project, Save the Children, Feed the

Children, Bethesda Ministry, LGUs and other private organizations hasexpanded our supplementary feeding program benefiting 11,723

malnourished grade school children and 9,309 malnourished pre-school

children.


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A combination of household food assistance, provision of vitamins

and nutrition education gave long-lasting results in combating

malnutrition. These nutrition initiatives have decreased the overall

prevalence of malnutrition in the province by at least 1% annually. A

million thanks to you our development partners especially to Maria Ana

Uy, our Provincial Nutrition Action Officer.


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We have broadened our welfare programs for women, children,

senior citizens and the marginalized and vulnerable groups in terms of

capacity building, productivity skills enhancement and financial

assistance.


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Our micro-financing for women started with 2 SEAK associations in

2010 with P275,000 program funds and exponentially increased to 50

associations amounting to P5.5 Million.

Responding to various individuals in crisis situations due to loss of family

members, illness and calamities, we assisted an average of 4,125 clientsyearly amounting to P 4.5 Million.


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Majority of our people live in rural areas and admittedly we have a

long way to go towards improving their way of life and providing them

with basic services.

To reach far flung and depressed barangays, we have conducted

19 community outreach missions providing food, medical services, eye

check up and provision of eye glasses, dental services, distribution ofplant materials, animal deworming and other services.


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We acknowledge the untiring efforts and volunteerism of our daycare workers and nutrition scholars. As a token of our deep appreciation

and gratitude to their daily heroism, we have increased their honorarium

and offered other incentives.

As part of our continuing campaign to promote the gains of

improved local governance, we have sustained and enhanced our SouthCotabato Convergence Model project to 39 poor and underserved

barangays engaging the volunteer services of more than 1,437 barangay


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core group volunteers and helping the province actively implement our

various development interventions.

In our continuing advocacy to bring the capitol closer to the

people, for three consecutive years, the province conducted the

Paskuhan sa Kapitolyo giving Christmas treats to members of our

various sectors such as the senior citizens, vendors, laborers, LGBTs,

youth and children. I would like to express our profound gratitude to all

those who supported us in this endeavor.

And what about our school children?

When I assumed office, I have inherited the shortage of

classrooms, teachers, chairs and textbooks.

This is further aggravated by the increase of incoming school

children every year. For 2012-2013, we need 110 additional classrooms

and 15,613 chairs for elementary schools and 50 classrooms and 5,530

chairs for secondary schools.

Thus, we have distributed 800 chairs for daycare/kinder, 250

tables and 7,500 arm chairs in partnership with DOLE Philippines,

Mahintana Foundation, SMI, DENR and DepEd.


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We have already hired 72 provincial school board teachers toinitially address the shortage of teachers in the province.

We are currently undertaking a school-building program to meet

the annual requirements and at the same time gradually eliminate the

existing shortages. Under our Special Education Fund, we have allocated

P15 Million for the construction of at least 24 new classrooms P 10Million for the construction of 66 Multipurpose buildings.


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Utilizing various partnership schemes such as the DepEd (1:1scheme), Chiu Bun Gim (3:2 scheme) and that of the Dole Philippines

Matching Grant Scheme we can be assured that by 2015, South

Cotabato will no longer have a backlog in classrooms and chairs. But

that decision is yours to make.

Education is slowly ceasing to be a reality to the poor. And this iseven more true about college education. It will remain a dream for

most students. A high school diploma is no longer an assurance in

landing a job.


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So we are working hard to provide various options for our children

to succeed in their chosen careers and to have better job opportunities.

We are expanding the Kabugwason-Paglaum Scholarship and

Grants-In-Aid Program to accommodate tertiary scholars, modular/short

courses and secondary and primary school grantees.

This year alone, the program has 378 scholars, taking degree and

non-degree courses entailing an appropriation of P15 Million.


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A total assistance of P1.2 Million was allocated to 159 students

taking modular or short courses. A total of 13,498 Primary (8, 501)

primary and secondary ( 4,997) school grantees entailed an

appropriation of P 7.9 Million.

Our scholarship program is on the right track. The latest batch of

Kabugwason Scholars produced board topnotchers one 5

th

Placer inAccountancy (Reyland Jethro Torres) and one 2nd Placer in Agricultural

Engineering (Ms. Michelle Servias).


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Thanks to KPSP Provincial Scholarship Committee headed by Mrs.

Estelita L.Retirado and actively supported by Mr. Orlando Dela Cruz,

Mr. Jimmy Unsoy, Mr. Roy Moreno, Mr. Jun Dingding, Mr. Josse Teruel,

Pastor Eddie Tomarong and Ms. Dolores Edica as Committee members;

and the KPSP Technical Committee headed by Mr. Alex D. Basco and

assisted by Mrs. Felipa Asentista.

We have also increased our budget for the Special Program for

Employment of Students (SPES) to accommodate more students

needing financial assistance to support their studies.

The quality of our math and science education should be at par

globally. The demand for innovation through research and technology is

the name of the game now.

That is why, we worked and fought for the establishment of the

Philippine Science High School of the Department of Science and

Technology in Koronadal.

The initial school buildings are underway and scheduled to open

this June 2013.


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The funds for the construction have come from the following: P 2Million from Mayor Peter B. Miguel; P 2 Million from Congressman

Angelo B. Pulmones of Agham Party-list; P 5 Million from Rep. Carol

Lopez of YACAP Party-list and a P 5 Million counterpart from the

provincial coffers.

The Provincial Government donated the five (5)- hectare propertyas the site.


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The provision of computers to various schools in the province willbe a continuing program in order to sustain our ICT advocacy and to

enhance our studentsaccess to information. Thus, we have allocated P

4.3 Million from our Special Education Fund (SEF) and another

P 5 Million from the Seal of Good Housekeeping for the purchase of at

least 350 computers with accessories for distribution to various schools.

The provincial government would like to ensure that all public

elementary school teachers be equipped with learning curriculum

manuals. We started with the distribution of 2,000 manuals.


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Likewise, 2,788 NAT reviewers for Grade Six, 1,000 NAT reviewer

for 4th Year students and 1,538 workbooks have been turned over to

Dep Ed.

To ensure the existence and operation of the University of the

Philippines School of Health Sciences, we have subsidized its

maintenance and operating expenses at P1.5 Million yearly. We are alsoproviding P3 Million for construction of buildings and facilities based on

the approved master plan.


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In tandem with our education support program, we are strongly

sustaining our sports development program through the various

activities and projects spearheaded by the province, such as our yearly

sports aral program or kasibulan which benefitted almost 3,000

students, regular conduct of sports competition and events, provision of

sports accessories to our various local sports councils and the granting

of financial assistance to various sports clubs.

Worthy to note is the support to the province of members of the

Philippine Azkals particularly Mr. Jason Sabio who is the grandson of the

owner of Celemas Mr. Celedonio donyong Abantao and the Hosting of

the province of the 7th BIMP-EAGA (Brunie, Indonesia, Malaysia,

Philippines- East Asia Growth Area) Friendship Games.

Promoting South Cotabato as a socio-economic-educational and

tourism hub means improving the outside worlds perception of our

province as a safe and orderly destination where peace and harmony

abound. It is also our mandate to keep lawless elements and disorderly

factors away from our very own people.

Residents and visitors alike, without exception, must observe the

rule of law.


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These were my exact thoughts when I assumed office. My firstimperative step was to strengthen our police force and provide the

necessary logistical support to both the South Cotabato PNP and the

27th IB Philippine Army. Without hesitation, I acted immediately.

Vehicles, motorcycles, peace-keeping equipment and other facilities

were provided to them. CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) cameras were

installed at the 5 major entry points of the province to monitor vehiclesentering and leaving the province.


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Indeed, our gallant men in uniform have risen to the occasion

garnering the Best in Provincial Command in Region XII under Provincial

Director Senior Superintendent Randolf Delfin and Best Provincial Public

Safety Company (PPSC) under the leadership of Superintendent James

Gultimatico, in the entire country for CY 2012. Also, SPO3 Renjun

Ortiz Bagaman of the South Cotabato Provincial Police Command was

chosen as one of the countrys Ten Most Outstanding Policemen in

Service while SPO4 Diogenes Hare of Sto. Nio, was chosen as the

countrys Most Outstanding PNP Model Family. In the same vein, Senior

Officer (SFO4) Eugene A. Sarbida was selected as one the most Ten

Most Outstanding Filipino Fire Fighters.

Like any other province in the country, we have not been spared

from acts of violence and lawlessness.

But definitely, it has gone down and continues to go down further.

From 2010 to 2011 alone, the volume of crimes decreased to 38%

with the lowest crime rate registered in November 2012 at 27%.

We have pioneered the Halfway-out program in coordination with

the Parole and Probation Office in giving those who were jailed but is

qualified to post bail a second chance in life.


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The statistics are very reassuring. Quoting from the report ofPolice Senior Superintendent Delfin:

The province of South Cotabato is the most peaceful place in the region

where people can go wherever they want without being harassed or

intimidated. Crime rates went down because of the police relentless

effort to stop all forms of illegal activities with active support of thecommunity and the local government units.


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Developments that have dramatically improved the atmosphere ofpeace and order in the province have tremendously boosted our tourism

program.

In 2012, the total number of tourists who visited the province

reached nearly 60,000. Among them are 57,239 domestic tourists and

361 foreign guests. As you may have closely observed, the number offoreigners and balikbayans attending our Tnalak Festival has been

steadily increasing over the years.


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The Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance (AVLDA) is nowactively implementing an Eco-Cultural Tourism project in Allah Valley in

partnership with Local Economic Develoment (LGSP-LED) and funded by

the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

As the AVLDA Chairperson, I was invited along with the Program

Manager Silverio Tandog, to a 15-day learning exchange in Ontario,Canada last November.


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The trip focused on how local government can maximize the

impact of tourism on their local economies while conserving and

protecting the environment.

Thanks to Mr. Andrew Farncombe, Country Program Manager of

CIDA, Philippines for facilitating and welcoming us in Canada and for

supporting our LED Program in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato with P6.5

Million financial assistance.

On the other hand, we have strengthened and enhanced our

quarry mining permitting and monitoring systems. We have installed

checkpoints with CCTV cameras in strategic areas at Tboli.

The issuance of Executive Order No 28, Series of 2011, mandated

the identified barangays with illegal hydraulic (banlas) mining to

intensify monitoring.

The creation of the Provincial Anti-Banlas Intelligence and

Investigation Task Force authorized anti-banlas raids and resulted in a

series of illegal quarrying and mining apprehensions.


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We also issued stoppage orders to tunnel operators and mineralprocessors without permits and conducted four (4) massive anti-banlas

raids and series of illegal quarrying and mining apprehensions leading to

the arrest of thirteen (13) small scale mining and thirty two quarry

violators. From merely fifteen (15) mineral processing permits and two

(2) mining permits in the past years, we were able to regulate and

increase compliance to sixty four (64) mineral processors and onehundred fifty nine (159) tunnel operators. As a result, we were able to

increase mining revenue to P2, 330, 388.00 almost tripling the


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combined revenues of 2008, 2009 and 2010 which totaled only to P838,

854.00.

We even doubled the mining revenue in 2012, reaching

P5,644,975.00 , surpassing the combined previous 10-year mining

collections. And we hit the all-time record high quarry and mining

revenue collection of P 9,276,965.85 in 2011 posting a 67% increasefrom 2010 and breaking it again with a collection of P 15,790,315 in CY

2012. Our program on mineral resources is gaining national recognition

and was chosen to be presented in the Mindanao Conference on


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Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining held in Ateneo de Davao University last

November 16, 2012 for Current Initiatives and Practices on Artisanal and

Small Scale Mining. My thanks to Mr. Siegfred Flaviano for the good

leadership he has shown.

Now, how prepared are we against disasters as we now face

serious threats from more intense tropical cyclones, drastic changes in

rainfall patterns and increased frequency of tornadoes ?

First we would like to thank former Gov. Larry de Pedro for

accepting the call to be the Provincial Administrator and Provincial

Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer. For sure, his expertise

and wide experience in local governance, having served the province for

9 years as governor and 5 years as representative will surely benefit the

people of South Cotabato.

We are exhausting all efforts to establish disaster risk reduction

and management program integrating our policies and plans for

sustainable development and building resilience of our communities to

disaster and climate change.

In June 2012, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the

Disaster Risk Reduction /Climate Change Adaptation (DRR/CCA)

Enhanced Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP)

were consequence and risk maps for flood, landslide and other geologic


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hazards have been considered. We assisted in the preparation of

Municipal/ City Comprehensive Land Use Plans integrating DRR/CCA.

Thanks to the brainy and strong leadership of our PPDC Danilo Supe.

We also provided guidelines in conducting disaster risk assessment

and determining vulnerabilities of their area to various types of

disasters. They have prepared hazard maps pinpointing specificbarangays and communities at risk to flood and landslides.


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41 Barangay Disaster Action Teams composed of 820 volunteerhave been organized province-wide. The team members have been

trained to lead disaster response efforts in the barangay while waiting

for the more equipped teams from the local disaster risk reduction and

management offices. The barangays are provided with first aid kits and

spine boards for immediate disaster response. The training is in

partnership with the Philippine National Red Cross South CotabatoChapter under its chairman Mr. Orlando Dela Cruz and its administrator

Mr. Dixie Villar.


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Our Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office(PDRRMO) is equipped with 2 motorcycles, 1 self-loading truck, 1

ambulance, search and rescue equipment and 10 rescue vehicles to be

assigned to the initial strategic barangays.

The PDRRMO has already formulated its manual of operations that

will serve as guide in disaster response activities.


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It has conducted Incident Command System training to 140participants and Search and Rescue Proficiency Enhancement Training

to 2,400 participants.

As proof of the capability of our PDRRMO, it has quickly responded

by assisting 2, 317 families who were victims of tornado incidents, 27

flashfloods and 7 landslides in the past 3 years. 4, 727 sacks of ricehave been distributed for food-for-work activities in various communities

for the repair of barangay roads and for victims of disasters.


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Our reforestation and tree planting programs has focused on

disaster-vulnerable areas.

Our PEMO (Provincial Environment and Management Office) has

planted a total of 10,000 bamboo seedlings in Koronadal City,

Tampakan, Surallah and Norala to strengthen riverbank rehabilitation.


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The AVLADA established Reforestation and Upstream Resource

Management (RURM) sites in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat and in

Colongolo, Suralla while constructing Riverbank Protection along Allah

River in Ambalgan, Sto Nino.

The PEO has also constructed 7 flood control systems amountingto P6 Million to provide flood control and drainage in high-risk areas.


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Even as we suffer from various calamities and disasters in our ownbackyard, we have extended a helping hand to areas hard-hit by

Typhoon Pablo by giving financial/ commodity assistance of P500,000

each to the devastated provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela

Valley and sent a medical mission to the Municipality of New Bataan.

A common problem of local government unit is financing itsprograms and projects for the delivery of quality services to the people.


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We have employed a number of innovations in the management

of our finances and work continuously to increase our tax and revenue

collections. We installed systems and procedures for prudent and

judicious use of resources.

The revenue of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital has

reached as much as P 87 Million as compared to 56 Million in 2011 and49 Million in 2009.


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What is most significant of these figures is the fact that out of the

P87 Million income in 2012, P 77 Million came from Philhealth while only

P9.8 Million came from the pockets of our hospital clients.

While in the year 2009 income, only P23 Million came from

Philhealth while P26 Million came from the pockets of our hospital

patients.

My congratulations to Dr. Conrado Brana for this remarkable

achievement.

Let me present to you the Chart of Hospital Income from 2009 -

2012.


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On the other hand, our income from the Zipline Operation in Lake

Sebu increased to almost P 4.4 Million in 2012.

After a long wait, Real Property tax payments from SOCOTECO 1

and SMART/PILTEL amounting to P91 Million has been enforced under acompromise agreement.


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The General Revision of Real Property Assessment increased our

total tax collectibles.

We have set the highest RPT collection in the region and achieved

the highest actual collection rate as well.

Thanks to Mrs. Elvira Rafael, Mr. Ed Siason and Engr. Roberto

Deanon.

We have also submitted a proposal to the Sangguniang

Panlalawigan to create economic enterprises as new sources of revenue.

We shall submit more revenue measures to fund our development

requirements.

But this might not be enough.

What emboldens us to embark on new projects and sustain our

continuing programs is the strong and invaluable partnership of the

provincial government with the private sector and non-government

organizations.


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As pointed out by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:

You cannot have development in todays world without partnership

with the private sector.

Our resources for school classrooms and chairs were doubled

because of the matching scheme with Mahintana Foundation and ChiuBun Gim Foundation.


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The success of the nutrition program in supplementary feeding is

supported by various non-government organization such as Mahintana

Foundation, Rotary Clubs of Koronadal, various Dole Philippines

cooperatives, Bethesda Ministries International and Save the Children.


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The Allah Valley Community Hospital was made possible becauseSan Miguel Corporation fulfilled its commitment to provide P25 Million in

addition to the 28 Million contributions from the Department of Health

(DOH) and the land donation of the Municipality of Surallah.

We are also indebted to various foundations which conducted

medical and dental missions benefiting thousands of our people.

These goes as well to private entities who have been supporting

the annual Tnalak Festival. A million thanks for your generosity.


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These are just some of our many enabling partners. Many more

are working silently and anonymously to help the province fulfill its

vision. To them, we are forever grateful.

To raise the level of public service, we have introduced

administrative reforms and innovations. Most of which were outlined in

my first State of the Province Address. The improvement of our

administrative machinery will apparently be the improvement of our

performance.


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We have also developed a more creative role of the provincial

government in the delivery of services. We would like also to have an

empowered, committed and contented bureaucracy.

Government compensation is already at par with the private sector

at the entry and lower levels. The disparity begins as the position gets

higher.

This month, the last tranche of the salary increase will be received

by our employees. The lowest-ranked employee will receive a basic

salary of P9,000 per month plus other fringe benefits and bonuses.

We have to reinvigorate and energize our civil service. We cannot

simply accept that security of tenure as a refuge for incompetence and

mediocrity.

I would like therefore to see the recruitment and the entry of new

blood to all offices at various levels in the provincial government.

We have tasked a committee to study strengthening of the

organizational structure and functions of the provincial government.


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Our capability building program has been institutionalized.

Trainings are conducted for new skills proficiency and staff

development.

We sponsored scholarships for provincial employees and by theend of March 2013 we will have 26 graduates of Masters in Tropical Risk

Management from the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU).


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Our Finance Building is nearing completion. It now houses theBudget, Accounting and Treasury Offices and will provide a comfortable

work place for other offices.

We are swift to discipline erring officials and employees but not

without due process. As taken from Ovid: A ruler should be slow to

punish and swift to reward. The Administrative InvestigationCommittee handled Thirteen (13) administrative cases. Eleven (11)

cases were decided imposing varying penalties from reprimand to 2

months suspension.


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Under the leadership of Vice Governor Tolosa, the SangguniangPanlalawigan produced landmark legislations like :

Formulating and adopting the first Executive LegislativeAgenda (ELA) of the province,

Approval and adoption of the 2013-2019 DRR/CCA EnhancedProvincial Development and Physical Framework Plan

considered a first in the region, and,


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The approval the 2011 Revenue code, Gender andDevelopment Code, Provincial Health and Sanitation Code

and Code of General Ordinances that will reinforce

implementation of special programs. From the time they

assumed office in 2010 up to December 2012 last year, they

have passed 821 resolutions.

They have accomplished so much in so short a time and the

success of our efforts was anchored on their support.


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They have never failed us by endorsing and approving our priority

proposals through legislations. If we can count on their continued

support and stand true to their motto: Legislation beyond Partisanship,

then success is easily within our reach and vision can turn to reality.

Amidst all these accomplishments, there is much work that needs

to be done. We cannot simply rest and be contended with all these

statistics and figures.

If they mean any worth at all, it is simply because all of us stood

up to be counted, contributed our share and validated what we know all

along: there is strength in unity and progress in solidarity.

And we are proud to say that we did all that with integrity,

transparency, honesty and respect to each other and to ourselves.

Last year was the most devastating one for my family. I lost Mama

in February and Tatay passed away in October. They would have been

right there among you, listening to all our successes and setbacks, but

proud of their decision to settle in Marbel when staying in the States

could have been a more lucrative career path over half a century ago.

But they chose what used to be a swampy, mosquito-infested, heavily

forested area over the comforts of the metropolis because they felt this

was where they were most needed.


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Their legacy was service, and their rewards, humanity. It is in

their honor that I dedicated this SOPA.

Throughout all those dark and cold days, I was blessed with the

presence of family, the support of friends, the encouragement of my

fellow elective officials, the understanding of the rank and file at the

Provincial Capitol, the prayer of the people of South Cotabato, and even

the comfort of strangers.

But as much as death remains a part of life, I look forward to

2013 with much anticipation and hope. I am awaiting the arrival of a

grandson later this year. The May 2013 election is fast approaching.

Once again, the nation will be preoccupied with the pressures and

excesses of this political exercise. Am I in this solely for power or

prestige or dereliction?

Allow me to reiterate my covenant as I did over two years ago. I

wouldnt have dreamed about giving up the comforts of a regular

routine except to serve. I wouldnt have the brass to stand here before

you if the only word I had to speak were the ones for my own interest.

I am here, Heaven help me, because from time to time I am given

something of my late fathers wisdom to speak about being a good

person despite the cleverness and clutter of my own voice. Your duty,

he tells me, is to be the hands and feet and mouths of one who has no


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other hands or feet or mouths except your own. Whatever incentives

you obtain, whatever fringe benefits you get hold of, your recompense

will be the respect and faith of your people.

Whatever real success you have will be measured finally in terms

of how well you please not anyone else in the world, but the next

generation of South Cotabateos. They are the ones who will be hurt by

your failures. If you are healed, comforted, carried through during the

dark times, the thought that you have done something to secure their

future will be your sustaining grace because there is no one in this world

with the hope enough at stake and power enough to appreciate your

legacy. By investing in the future, you strip away your own personal

desires and needs in the present.

I enjoin you to share this journey to the future in the coming

months. We are all on the same journey whether we like it or not. We

share the same pain, the same confusions, the same fears, which if put

between us, lose their edges and so cut us less.

Sa akon mga kasimanwa, the greatest lesson that I have learned

as your Governor for the past 2 years is that anything is possible. Let

the sleeping dogs lie, let the dictators rant and rave till they get blue in

the face. We can do everything if we work together as a people. This is

why finding what we love, finding what we are, is building a bright

tomorrow for South Cotabato. For what truly keeps us alive can keep


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the province alive, whatever the cost. And beyond the uncertainties of

time, a life of service makes us a valuable member of the community.

And as St. Thomas Aquinas prays: Grant me, O Lord my God, a

mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct

pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of

finally embracing you. Amen. Madamo gid nga salamat kag sa liwat,Maayong Aga.


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Documents

The 2013 State of the Province Address of Gov. Arthur "Dodo" Y. Pingoy Jr., M.D