BANGUED, Abra – Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Monday advised the elected officials of this province to focus on the good of the people and help improve their lives by boosting the provision of basic services.
“We face a myriad of issues but I need to mention only four things: Good governance. For too long, Abra’s affairs have been mismanaged by the incompetent elective leaders whose objective was only to enrich themselves. Let us now announce to the world that such incompetence and greed have ended,” Bersamin said in a message addressed to the new officials during their oath-taking ceremony at the provincial capitol here.
His elder brother, Eustaquio “Takit” Bersamin, is the new governor of the province, and his niece, Ana Marie Bersamin, the second child of their deceased eldest brother, former congressman Chito, is the new vice governor.
The Executive Secretary administered the oath of office to the new provincial officials.
Also present were the 10 members of the provincial board, including lone district of Abra Rep. Joseph Sto. Niño Bernos and Party-list Rep. Menchie “Ching” Bernos, who took their oath of office in a ceremony in La Paz town, where they had both served as mayors, on June 28.
“Please govern your constituents with sincerity and serve them with integrity. This is the most challenging issue that you must take. Take over these challenges. Good governance is your way of telling the Abreños that they did not err in electing you. Don’t forget that your electoral success is a call to serve. To deliver for them,” he urged the officials.
He also mentioned the healthcare facilities that need to be built.
He urged the officials to prioritize restoring the Abra Provincial Hospital to its full function because it is of the highest urgency.
Bersamin also said Abra is lagging in basic education compared to the other provinces in the region.
“From today, we should strive to imbibe our exalted status as the first among equals in our region by marshaling our effort to raise the level of education of our youth. I have asked (Department of Education) Secretary (Juan Edgardo) Angara to prioritize Abra’s needs in basic education. He has promised to do so,” he said.
Bersamin likewise cited the need to protect the sources of drinking water and crop irrigation for the current generation and those yet to come.
“This must be essential to our mission to improve the lives and ensure the welfare of our beloved Abreños. We really have to increase our rice production and livestock raising capacities because we place mounting challenges to our food security,” the Executive Secretary said.
He urged the new officials to not allow fear and intimidation to get in the way of sovereign power.
“The election turnout was the best proof of the Abra people’s care for the province. This is the best proof that every one of you cares for our province of Abra,” he said. **Liza Agoot
