SURIGAO CITY, July 19 (PIA) -- Good governance and sound fiscal management highlighted the accomplishment report of Governor Sol Matugas delivered Wednesday, July 18 at the provincial convention center, this city.

In her second State of the Province Address (SOPA), Matugas focused on how the present administration transformed the previous state of the province into a world-class functioning, efficient and achievement-laden delivery of public services under the HEALS agenda (Health, Education & Environment, Agriculture & Aquaculture, Livelihood & Tourism, Social Services, Security & Senior Citizens).

The governor’s speech dealt with gains and improvement of the provincial government local governance, as well as education, human resource management, tourism, public health delivery, disaster management, agriculture, peace and order, infrastructure, and a number of recognitions given to the province.

“Because of our good practices in local governance, we received this year, P7 million as performance challenge fund from the Department of the Interior and Local Government through Secretary Jesse M. Robredo,” she said.

The lady governor also emphasized the strengthened sound financial management, which was on top of her priorities. “The province was able to obtain grants and generate income of P667 million in my first year and I am pleased to report to you that we were able to generate P266.9 million more in year two, or a 40 percent increase, bringing it to P 933.43 million.”

Matugas said it is only in her administration that regular employees enjoyed two salary increase. This year, Matugas said there will be another salary increase in October.

According to Matugas, good financial management does not end with effective/efficient resource generation. “This administration considers that good resource allocation and utilization is equally important. Thus, we strictly observed the synchronized planning-budgeting process in consultation with NGOs, duly approved by the provincial development council and the sangguniang panlalawigan in the form of an annual investment plan which is our basis for budgeting.” (RER/FEA-PIA 13, Surigao del Norte)

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