How time flies when public service comes to mind. May 31st of last year marks Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria’s new role as the father of Negros Oriental. The good governor was sworn in by Negros Oriental Executive Judge Gerardo Paguio at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall at the Legislative Building in Dumaguete. Fueled by his youth and passion to serve, the “gentle giant” is starting to achieve many things for Negros Oriental. A huge part of his commitment to serve was because of his love for the province and his father, Negros Oriental Second District Representative Manuel “Chiquiting” Sagarbarria who served as his mentor and role model.
Governor Chaco’s projects on the past year continuously strengthens the agriculture and fishing sector of Negros Oriental. This also includes infrastructure, education and health. As part of his platform, during his first days as the new governor, the Medical City, the biggest and most modern hospital in the province is already being planned as the location where it’s going to stand has been determined. The establishment of the Negros Oriental Museum is also in progress. One of his goals for the province is to improve the delivery of health services.
The governor in a recent statement said he would implement a zero-bill policy at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH) and in all district and community primary hospitals in the province. “I intend to implement zero-balance billing. It is very hard to do but I will implement it,” Gov Sagarbarria said, referring to a government policy that ensures that qualified members of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) shall not be charged or be forced to spend out of pocket for services rendered to them in government hospitals. Another project that he planned to do since his first day in the office is also becoming a reality. Just last May 17, Governor Chaco lead the groundbreaking ceremony and laying of the time capsule of the 8-Storey Government Center at the Praxevilla Tennis Court. Said center will house all the provincial government offices upon completion.
This year also marks the commemoration of the centennial of the Negros Oriental Capitol Building and the installation of the marker by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The celebration was led by Governor Chaco and was attended by Senators Riza Hontiveros, Imee Marcos, Francis Tolentino, Mark Villar, Lito Lapid, and Jinggoy Estrada. He was also determined to boost the province’s tourism sector, first by activating Ordinance No. 55, series of 2017, creating the Tourism Board. Chaired by the governor who appointed Woodrow Maquiling, Jr. as the executive director and concurrent chair of the Negros Oriental Tourism Council. A regular tourism roadshow is also produced for the different municipalities to entertain the Negrenses and to boost the hospitality and tourism sector.
The province certainly has a lot to offer, from land to sea, Negros Oriental is worth visiting. With youthful energy and his love for Negros Oriental, the future looks bright for the province. Year one has passed, and many years to follow. With the Governor’s broad spectrum of ideas and plans for the province’s progress, each dream is now becoming a reality. A peaceful and progressive Negros Oriental is at hand.
This article is brought to you by Negros Oriental Government.
ADVT