Singson elected chair of provinces

By Teddy Molina

Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson was elected chairman of the 80-member League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) that aims to forge closer partnerships with the national government and improve investment climate in the country.

Palawan Gov. Abraham Mitra, who was appointed spokesman of the LPP, said the league’s new officers were elected on July 20 at the Century Park Sheraton Hotel in Manila during its first regular assembly.

Elected president was Oriental Mindoro Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr. while Camarines Sur Gov. LRay Villafuerte was elected executive vice president and representative to the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines.

Other elected LPP officers are Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane, vice president for Luzon; Iloilo Gov. Art Defensor, vice president for the Visayas; Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, vice president for Mindanao; Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares, treasurer; Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno, auditor; Aurora Gov. Bella Angara-Castillo, assistant treasurer; Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos and Catanduanes Gov. Joseph Cua, deputy secretary generals for Luzon; Siquijor Gov. Orlando Fua, deputy secretary general for the Visayas; and Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Antonio Cerilles, deputy secretary general for Mindanao.

Mitra, Northern Samar Gov. Paul Daza, and Sarangani Gov. Miguel Dominguez were designated spokesmen for Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, respectively.

Mitra said the LPP will be working on forging “stronger partnerships and cooperation” with the national government.

He said the LPP will also try to work on a “counterparting” scheme on key projects where local governments and the national government would share the financial burden for faster implementation.

“We will work on synergy, cohesion and cooperation among (LPP) members as well as with the national government,” Mitra said.

He added that the LPP will also undertake a “shared learning” project where provincial governments will share their best practices and successes in dealing with various crises and difficulties to other LPP members.

He said the LPP, for the first time, will hold monthly meetings to bring its members closer and be able to assist each other.

Mitra said the LPP officers and members met with President Aquino over dinner on Tuesday and he asked the governors to help the country be more attractive to investors.

Mr. Aquino cited the difficulties encountered by investors in provinces like right-of-way andtaxation issues. “The President said if there are difficulties or issues raised by investors, the governors must also try to resolve them early,” Mitra said.