Reelected Governor Daniel Fernando on Monday vowed to focus on agriculture and the creation of more jobs in the next three years of his administration.
In his inaugural speech during the mass oath-taking at the Bulacan capitol gymnasium here, Fernando reiterated his commitment to boost agriculture to ensure food security in the province.
He said the construction of the PHP40-million Bulacan Provincial Government Productivity Center and the PHP39-million Multiplier and Breeding Center could help increase the vegetable and livestock production in the province.
“Because of the goal and platform of our President-elect Bongbong Marcos Jr. to boost agriculture, I can say we can get along and help each other and that is for sure, because it is also my objective,” he said in Filipino.
To create more jobs, Fernando said his priority was forming more cooperatives and encouraging large non-government organizations and sectors to set up cooperatives to help Bulakenyos find employment.
He also bared plans to conduct more job fairs at least two or thrice a month to combat unemployment.
Meanwhile, Fernando expressed confidence that the construction of the Bulacan International Airport and the proposed USD500-million Korean investments would create more job opportunities for the Bulakenyos.
He also urged his province mates to support him and his new partner for the next three years and for all the local leaders to unite and move as one for the good of all Bulakenyos.
“Let us welcome together a new chapter of our province and the country. The past three years was full of challenges not only to me but also to the whole world. It is not easy to start for a leader especially in the midst of the pandemic, the most severe crisis in our times,” he added.
Fernando, together with Vice Governor-elect Alexis Castro, led the oathtaking of all the elected officials in the province.
There are eight newly-elected mayors in the province –Jowar Bautista of Angat, Lem Faustino of Calumpit, Agay Cruz of Guiguinto, Baby Manlapas of Hagonoy, Merlyn Germar of Norzagaray, Ding Valeda of Obando, Gazo Galvez of San Ildefonso, and Cholo Violago of San Rafael.
Reelected as chief executives are Ferdie Estrella of Baliwag, Arthur Robes of the City of San Jose Del Monte, Rico Roque of Pandi, Maritz Ochoa-Montejo of Pulilan, Anne Marcos of Paombong, Ricky Silvestre of Marilao, Francis Albert “Iskul” Juan of Bustos, Vergel Meneses of Bulakan, Junior Gonzales of Balagtas, and Erick Tiongson of San Miguel.
Six former mayors returned to office– Jon-Jon Villanueva of Bocaue, Christian Natividad of the City of Malolos, Henry Villarica of Meycauayan City, Ronaldo Flores of Doña Remedios Trinidad, Jocell Vistan-Casaje of Plaridel, and Omeng Ramos of Santa Maria.
The newly-elected representatives are Danny Domingo of the 1st district, Tina Pancho of the 2nd district, Lorna Silverio of the 3rd district, Linabelle Villarica of the 4th district, Ambrosio Cruz Jr. of the 5th district, Ador Pleyto of the 6th district, and Rida Robes of the lone district of the City of San Jose Del Monte. (PNA)
