DAET, Camarines Norte (PIA) – Newly elected governor of Camarines Norte Ricarte R. Padilla laid down the policies and programs of the 30th Provincial Government under his administration.

The policies and programs were delivered by Gov. Padilla during the inaugural session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Camarines Norte held on July 4. The majority of these programs were also cited during his speech during the oathtaking ceremony held recently.

These policies were embodied through Resolution No. 297-2022" otherwise known as  "A resolution taking cognizance of the policies and programs of the Honorable Governor Ricarte A. Padilla for the term 2022-2025." 

The policies and programs presented shall serve as guidance for the proper implementation and in providing direction in the overall development of the province and its constituents.

Gov. Padilla expressed his commitment to support the needs of the SP being the Legislative Branch of the provincial government to carry out its legislative functions.

He appealed to go back to the basic needs of the people such as employment, and better services, particularly for the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital (CNPH).

Educational assistance considering the increasing number of students who were not able to finish even Senior High School.

He said that he will also focus on the provision of  adequate source of water supply as he observed that this problem is  predominant in the the 282 barangays of the province.

The governor also requested the support of the SP on the continuance of the program for the Larap Integrated Development Project. He said that this will also create jobs for the province's constituents. 

For healthcare, Padilla also seeks the support of the SP on the following proposals: the establishment of the Camarines Norte General Hospital  to commensurate with the increasing population of the province; to improve the services of the CNPH; and to look for the new site of the hospital in Sitio Mat-i, Barangay Sto. Domingo, Vinzons, Camarines Norte for hospital expansion under the Public-Private-Partnership Program scheme.

Along this line, he also asked the help of the SP members to consider the establishment of hospitals which will house specialty departments like a Cancer Center Institute, Heart Institute, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). He said there is also a need to  enhance the services of the Dialysis Center of CNPH and also address the issue of lack of medicine supplies.

He also proposed for the improvement of the water system facility of the province by reviewing/studying the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with PrimeWater and its work performance and other areas.

The governor said that he will review and study the tax ordinance of the province to improve its revenue collection system as well as  increase the daily rate of Job Order (JO) of the provincial government.

He also would like To review Provincial Ordinance No.32-2020 SP Res. No. 387-2020 entitled “An ordinance establishing the Centennial Wharf of Camarines Norte, its administration, operation, and regulation and providing penalties thereof”.

The resolution also contains the new administration's intent to study the proposal regarding the operation of the Camarines Norte Convention Center and Hotel under lease agreement as well as the use of solar energy power sources for the provincial government. This is toaccommodate the air-conditioning services for the entire Provincial Capitol Building including the Agro-Sports Center.

The provincial government also aims to support the investor who will take interest in the solar power energy source and windmill/farm of Calaguas Island to ensure the 24/7 power supply along with the proposal for the modernization of the transport industry through the utilization of electric utility vehicles in the province.

Gov. Padilla cleared that all the good projects and programs of former Gov. Edgardo Tallado will be supported by this administration.

The above resolution was carried unanimously and attested by Vice Gov. Joseph V. Ascutia, presiding officer of the SP.

Meanwhile, Gov. Padilla during his inaugural speech ordered  Ascutia to be the environment czar of Camarines Norte.

Ascutia assured that he will safeguard the seas, mountains, and other natural resources and that no one will be allowed to abuse the environment and warned those people who are involved in illegal activities that they will be amenable to the law . (RBManlangit-PIA5/Camarines Norte).