ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. will deliver a State of the Province Address (SOPA) this year. However, he has yet to set a date for it.
“Nagakadala kita sa kasukuon,” Defensor told Panay News, referring to his marshaling this province in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Nevertheless, he said, “Napa-ready ko na ang pila ka kinahanglan naton sa aton department heads (such as the) highlights or reports.”
This will be Defensor’s first SOPA since becoming governor in 2019.
Past Iloilo governors, including Defensor’s father Arthur Sr., delivered SOPAs annually at the session hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) attended by all Provincial Board members, department heads, mayors, and congressmen in the province, among others.
Defensor said his SOPA may be done online.
“Maayo gid siguro kon subong (nga year) via Zoom (ang SOPA) kay indi man puede nga mapatipon kita tawo,” said Defensor.
He added: “Amo ‘na ang wala ko na-imagine that’s why I’m not very excited. Waay ako intention nga magpatipon kag magbarong to sa isa ka lugar. Daw indi ako sina.”
Defensor assumed office on June 30, 2019. His term ends on June 30, 2022.
He is seeking re-election in the upcoming May 9, 2022 elections.
In his inaugural speech, Defensor vowed to focus on social justice.
Ensuring the efficient delivery basic social services is a given, Defensor said then, but “those who have less in life should have more in law, and more in the administration of the province of Iloilo.”
One way of delivering social justice, he said, is achieving food security in the province and creating an environment conducive to the growth of businesses and other economic activities that create employment for the Ilonggos.
“We want to create opportunities for our people not only to survive but to live good, comfortable lives,” Defensor said.
He also affirmed his administration would ensure that healthcare services are accessible to all, especially the poor./PN
