Incoming Benguet Governor Diclas Outlines Priority Programs
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Incoming provincial governor Melchor Diclas said that among his initial priority programs are strengthening health services, fight for the welfare of farmers and small scale miners and complete the facilities of the provincial sports complex in Wangal.
HEALTH
“Our biggest task is to strengthen the delivery of health services in our province,” Diclas said minutes after his proclamation on May 14 as the new governor of the province.
By doing so, Diclas, a physician, vowed to increase the bed capacity of Benguet General Hospital (BGH) from 200 to 400.
He added that he will work for the construction of additional buildings for the provincial hospital. He cited a recent case of a dengue outbreak where patients were forced to stay at a nearby gym.
On rural health, Diclas said he will also provide more delivery beds and recovery rooms, and train more midwives.
SMALL-SCALE MINING
“I am for Minahang Bayan (MB), one way to legalize the operation of our small-scale miners,” said Diclas, adding that requirements must be “eased” in order that smallscale miners could comply.
He vowed to work for the lifting of the stoppage order so that small-scale miners can operate.
It is to be recalled that the Benguet Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB), chaired by Bureau of Mines and Geosciences (MGB)-Cordillera regional director Faye Apil, in a resolution passed the stoppage order after the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong.
BAPTC
“I don’t know what’s going on there, however, given the opportunity to be part of the board, I will see to it that I will communicate with our farmers and traders so that their needs and problems will be properly addressed.” Diclas said.
Currently, the issue on the management and operational control of the Benguet Agri- Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) is delaying the development of the facility especially in putting up cold storage.
BENGUET SPORTSCOMPLEX
“We need to complete and develop the sports complex in Wangal (La Trinidad) by providing more bleachers, modern basketball courts, rubberized track oval and a swimming pool equipped with a solar system,” Diclas said.
“Once those facilities are in place, we could invite PBA, and even host regional games like the Cordillera Regional Athletic Association (CARAA) or Palarong Pambansa.”
Diclas also promised to strengthen sports development in the barangays by providing more sports facilities and increase the incentives of athletes and coaches.
Diclas lamented that due to lack of incentives, a number of our good athletes are being “pirated” to other places.
“We must see to it that our athletes have the proper training and incentives.”
Primo Agatep/ABN
