Governor Ongchuan, Provincial Government functionaries push development initiatives for Northern Samar

In the continued thrust for economic development, Governor Edwin Ongchuan sat down with both Provincial Government legislative and executive heads to push the timely implementation of development initiatives, especially big ticket programs and projects aimed to enhance connectivity, increase access to government services and resources, provide livelihood opportunities and generally uplift the well-being of the Nortehanon community.

The 2nd quarter Cluster Development Meeting held on April 11, 2024 served as a significant forum to apprise the local chief executive and key decision makers in the Provincial Government on the status of 2024 development initiatives and discuss approaches to resolve bottlenecks in the imolementation of Provincial Government-led programs and projects.

Acknowledging the participation of Vice Governor Clarence Dato, the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the heads of Provincial Government departments and offices, Governor Ongchuan emphasized the significance of coming together and constantly communicating policies and strategic directions to best coordinate services and actions.

Provincial Budget Officer Adelwisa Acebuche briefed the group on the status of Provincial Government investment for various programs, projects and activities this fiscal year 2024, involving the economic development fund, the local disaster risk reduction and management fund, the special education fund, and special purpose allocation in the four development areas of food security and sustainable economic development; peace and resilience; good governance and institutional development; and human development and poverty alleviation.

Meanwhile, development cluster heads presented updates on Provincial Government interventions in all 4 strategic development areas, delving on bottlenecks of implementation and recommending approaches to resolve these challenges.

Urging convergence of efforts of Provincial Government offices, Provincial Administrator Atty. Efren Sabong called for continuous and consistent reaching out to the local chief executive or to his office of Provincial Government heads for policy decisions or actions involving external stakeholders. This is to prevent gaps in communication and planning aspects and maximize impact for targeted beneficiaries.

Likewise, Engr. David Adongay, former DPWH Assistant Regional Director and now Provincial Engineering Office consultant, disclosed that the Provincial Government’s 391 million peso big ticket infrastructure projects for the current year 2024 are under way, from hospital improvement to roads, evacuation centers, flood controls and street lighting projects, among others.

In addition, Dr. Catherine Miral, PHO I, announced the soon to be upgrading of the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital to level 2, and the plan to also upgrade the district hospitals which will mean improved health services for the Nortehanons.