STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS
(100 Days After)

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

by GOV. EUSTAQUIO P. BERSAMIN 

I stand before you on this momentous occasion brimming with joy and pride.

Exactly 100 days ago, I shared with you my dreams and aspirations for our province.  On this morning, I am very happy and proud to declare that “we have done quite well.”  We were able to conquer the spoils of the last elections – depleted provincial coffers and the walls of politics.  This we managed only because we rose above our own self-interests and forged unity on the anvil of a common and noble purpose – a better life to all Abrenios.

The first 100 days was anything but easy.  There were those countless backbreaking visits to far-flung municipalities, endless meetings, constant trips to Manila and Baguio to lobby for projects, etc, etc.  Sometimes, it even becomes hard to find my own humor. But what’s important is that our toils and selflessness yielded significant gains for the province.  And so allow me to share with you the modest feats of the Provincial Government 100 days after I have taken oath as your new governor.

Health Services

Heeding the long-standing clamor of Abrenios for better health care services, we have already laid down the groundwork for the improvement of the public health care system in the province.   We have already resumed the rehabilitation of the Villaviciosa Medicare and Community Hospital.  We hope to complete this project in time for Christmas as a gift to the people of Villaviciosa and its neighboring towns.

For the other public hospitals, especially the Abra Provincial Hospital, we have commissioned a team to design a state-of-the-art hospital to replace our existing outdated health structures.  But due to bleak fiscal status of the provincial government, we are still working to secure funding support from our national counterparts.

We have also been tapping the private sector, especially our fellow Abrenios abroad for assistance to help us alleviate the plight of our hospitals.  The results have been inspiring. Last September 25, we distributed donated bed sheets and pillowcases, curtains, an assortment of medical supplies and food at the hospital.  Cash assistance was also extended to us in the amount of P134,303.00.

And to ensure access to health services, we have allocated funds to finance Philhealth Membership of over 4,000 Indigent Families.