Bataan starts to pick “low-lying fruits”

CAPITOL GROUNDS, Bataan – As Gov. Abet warmly welcomed back the Provincial Government employees after the Lenten break during this morning’s flag raising ceremony, he also lauded the 38 long years of faithful service rendered by Ms. Merlita Fontillas as a Social Worker at the Provincial Health Office. On her retirement, aside from the citation awarded to her, Gov. Abet expressed his appreciation for her services and assured Ms. Fontillas that she will always be a part of the Provincial Capitol family.

Gov. Abet also expressed his appreciation over the continuing partnership of the provincial government with the Philippine Red Cross. Cognizant of the crucial role the Red Cross plays in saving lives, through their Dugtong Buhay program, the governor donated folding beds to said agency that would be of great help in the performance of their duties.

Highlighted as well is the latest development in the tourism industry of the Province. Gov. Abet happily shared to the capitol employees that Mt. Samat has been officially declared as the flag ship project of TIEZA, converting it into a tourism enterprise zone, making it the first in Region 3 and second to the Rizal Shrine in Luzon. Based on the recently launched master plan, a budget of Php 15 M has been allocated and not a single centavo will be coming from the Province.

According to Gov. Abet, based on the master plan, Mt. Samat will become a world class shrine that will attract local and foreign tourists, truly a dream come true for us, Bataenos for it will further boost the economy of the Province. This is what the working governor of Bataan calls picking the “low lying fruits”.

Recently, Bataan received a plaque of recognition and Php 4M cash incentive for being one of the 2014 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awardees. Gov. Abet likewise lauded the efforts of the Provincial Agriculture Office led by Ms. Imelda Inieto. He added that this is an assurance that there is food security in the province and at the same time keeping the price of rice stable.

Lastly, the governor underscored the efforts of the Metro Bataan Development Authority (MBDA) under Ex-Mayor Charlie Pizarro and the Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) led by former PD Audie Atienza who manned our highways especially our main trade route, the Roman Expressway, 24/7 and vigilantly assisted motorists during the Lenten Season.

Prior to the Governor’s message, the capitol employees were entertained by a song number rendered by a group of students from the Pablo Roman National High School (Pilar) who will represent Region 3 and Bataan in a national songwriting competition.