LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Quezon Governor David C. Suarez called on members of the Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL) to support the federal form of government initiated by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to spur more inclusive growth and development as the regions and provinces would be given more autonomy to manage their affairs.
In a report from the Quezon public information office on Thursday, Suarez pitched the call for federalism while he and House Minority Floor Leader and Quezon 3rd District Rep. Danilo E. Suarez graced the PCL Assembly last July 3 at the Ritz Hotel in Davao City.
“Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa liga ng (I am so grateful to the) Philippine Councilors’ League – Quezon Chapter, because you opened my doors to my life and my service as a public servant. More than extending our term, it is improving the structure of government and the Constitution you stand on,” Suarez said.
The Suarezes with Quezon delegation, comprised of PCL-Quezon chapter members, board members, provincial department heads and mayors led by Quezon 3rd District Board Member Vicente Salumbides III, were welcomed by host Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and PCL National Chairperson Danny Dayanghirang.
Gov. Suarez expressed his strong advocacy for change and supports the Constitutional amendments for a federal form of government for the country’s development, saying it would result to greater autonomy for local government units (LGUs).
“More than the service of preserving order, I think it’s really the opportune time that in order to propel the country forward we have to change the Constitution,” he said.
He also shared his province’s high impact projects on infrastructures among them the convention centers in Infanta, Gumaca and Tiaong towns, Tayabas Sports Complex and other “Build, Build, Build” projects under the Duterte administration which benefitted the province.
He said these development projects are poised to lure more investors and boost the tourism and agriculture industries as the province eyes for a tourism cluster in Northern Quezon as well as promote the province’s island towns of Burdeos, Polillo, Patnanungan and Jomalig.
He added the provincial government also undertakes education projects such as the development of the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU)-Catanauan full campus and the establishment of the first Coconut Research and Development Center in the Calabarzon Region to benefit coconut farmers and the agriculture sector.
The Quezon governor also urged local government executives to intensify their inclusive programs and projects, enjoining local lawmakers to strengthen their legislative work such as crafting good ordinances to benefit their constituents.
“Kailangan natin ang suporta ng lokal na pamahalaan (we need the support of the local government.) Not only through executive orders or programs and projects to be implemented by their chief executives, more important to that are policies and ordinances to be enacted by the Sangguniang Bayan and Sangguniang Panlalawigan,” he said.
He said the development programs and projects taking place in his province through the Serbisyong Suarez and the “Next 3, Best 3 Years” governance thrusts are meant to provide better opportunities and benefits for the present and future generations.
At the sidelines of the PCL assembly, Suarez discussed with Mayor Duterte Quezon province’s First 1,000 Days of Life or Q1K which is recognized by several LGUs and foreign countries.
The Q1K program provides free support services like nutrition, medical and dental services such as checkup and ultrasound services for mothers during the first 1,000 days from their pregnancy up to the child’s second year stage. (Gideon Belen/PNA)
