GUIMARAS – In his sixth State of the Province Address (SOPA) yesterday, Gov. Samuel Gumarin paid tribute to his constituents’ resilience which he said was a major factor in the island province’s continuing development.
Major challenges had not deterred Guimarasnons from marching to progress, said Gumarin, citing as examples the massive oil spill in August 2006 and more recently, a maritime tragedy – the capsizing of three motorboats in Aug. 3, 2019 at the Iloilo Strait that killed 31 people.
Gumarin titled his SOPA “Rising Together for a Brighter Future.”
Challenges, he said, only made Guimarasnons “rise up immediately and return to our normal lives.”
“With cooperation and united leadership, we will be stronger,” he added.
Guimaras’ economy improved in recent years due primarily to its booming tourism industry and mango exports. Gumarin, however, said this year was particularly challenging.
The August tragedy, he said, created “ripple effects in the socioeconomic status of Guimaras and its people.”
The coastguard and Maritime Industry Authority imposed strict safety measures such as reducing the passenger carrying capacity of motorboats, ordering an early stop to boat trips (no more late night trips) and taking down of the trapal (boat canvas roofs) thereby exposing passengers to the elements.
This adversely affected the operation of motorboats, which in turn discouraged tourists from going to Guimaras, said Guimarin.
Traders, workers and students, among others, had a hard time crossing the Iloilo Strait, he added.
This was compounded by the inclement weather, according to the governor.
Guimaras saw a consistent increase in tourist arrivals since 2013 but this changed following the Iloilo Strait tragedy, said Gumarin.
“From Aug. 3 to 31 records showed a 74 percent decrease in tourist arrivals and 77 percent decrease in tourist receipts as against the previous year’s data,” according to the governor.
Lack of food, capital for business due to logistical problems and stocks delivery were the other top three problems, said Gumarin.
“Under the tourism sector, average income per week massively decreased to 87 percent,” he lamented.
The challenge now “is to be strong and resilient,” said Gumarin.
He also reported on the accomplishments of his administration. Among these were the awards the province received – Best Performing Information Office in Western Visayas for the Guimaras Public Information Office; first place finish for Butlak Guimaras, an agency newsletter, and Guimaras Now as special publication.
Jaypee Kein Entredicho was also recognized as Hall of Fame awardee (Best Performing Information Office since 2017).
Guimaras Manggahan Festival, on the other hand, was a grand winner (Best Booth) during the Philippine Festival in Japan.
The Public Employment Services Office (PESO) of Guimaras was also hailed as best PESO in Western Visayas on Oct. 9, 2019.
Gumarin reported on the continuing rise in mango production, too, from 10,137 metric tons in 2013, this rose to 11,487.68 metric tons in 2018.
He further cited the “consistent peace and order” in Guimaras for the past five years – the crime volume had been dropping from 1,111 in 2014 to 786 in 2018.
“We have been challenged. But we will never falter. Let us continue to rise together for a brighter future,” said Gumarin./PN
