BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
ILOILO City – The State of the Province Address (SOPA) of Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. delivered on Tuesday reaped praises.
To political ally, former congressman Oscar Garin of the 1st District, it was comprehensive.
“It was well-detailed. It takes a Defensor to do that,” said Garin.
He scored him 11 in a scale of one to 10 with 10 as supposedly the highest.
“I hope he can maintain his good health so we can have more time with him as governor,” said Garin.
Defensor highlighted the Ilonggos’ resilience in his SOPA at the provincial capitol.
“We have proven to ourselves that we can survive even a Yolanda-level catastrophe because of our strong sense of community anchored on our deeper sense of common humanity,” Defensor said.
Vice Gov. Raul Tupas shared Garin’s sentiment. But he also said a lot more need to be done to let the people feel the efforts of the provincial government, especially in terms of rehabilitation.
Super typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) hit northern Iloilo November last year.
Defensor thanked the “heroes” who came to extend assistance.
Zarraga, Iloilo’s Mayor John Tarrosa said the governor’s SOPA tackled everything, especially in the field agriculture and health.
He gave it a 9.5 rating.
“As the governor said, we are not perfect but we are outstanding,” said Tarrosa.
Tarrosa lauded the governor for highlighting the Ilonggos’ resilience.
“Also, he was able to rally the people to believe in him that we are going in the right direction,” said Tarrosa.
Alimodian’s Mayor Gefree Alonsabe, on the other, gave Defensor’s SOPA a perfect 10.
“It was the best SOPA ever. It was very detailed and comprehensive. Makit-an gid ang sensiridad sa pagserbisyo sang aton gobernador,” said Alonsabe./PN
