For the first time in seven years, Catanduanes has won the coveted Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), Governor Joseph C. Cua announced during his State of the Province Address last Saturday morning, Oct. 26, 2024.te
In his report to his constituents during the muted celebration of the province’s 79th foundation anniversary, the chief executive quoted a report reaching his office that Catanduanes is once again among the national passers of the prestigious award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“Saro ini sa mga hininguha talaga niato na makua bago matapos an satuyang termino. This will finally be our comeback from our last Hall of Famer record in 2015-2017,” he stressed as he thanked the SGLG Provincial Team Head, Provincial Administrator Eulalia T. Talaran, as well as department heads and the DILG provincial office for the achievement.
He likewise expressed pride in the recent declaration of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Countil (JPSCC) that the province is now free from the influence and affectation of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTG).
He lauded the Catanduanes Provincial Police Office, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, other uniformed personnel and the SP Committee on Peace and Order chaired by PBM Robert Fernandez for their efforts to ensure that the island is safe from the threat of terrosism.
Aside from this singular milestone, Gov. Cua also bared that the province has achieved 100% “drug-cleared barangay” status last September, a significant progress in his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs that he attributed to the contributions of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Catanduanes field office headed by IAV Roberto Sebastian, the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council, municipal and barangay officials, and other stakeholders.
An elated governor said that next year, Catanduanes’ classification will rise from 3rd to 2nd class, assuring a greater capacity to allocate funds for public service programs, higher salaries for its employees and greater access to financial assistance for the benefit of the people.
The Provincial Treasurer’s Office, he added, recorded a 128% collection efficiency in revenues from local sources, particularly in real property, amusement, franchise and quarry taxes.
The full text of the SOPA is as follows:
State of the Province Address
Governor Joseph “Boboy” C. Cua
October 26, 2024
His Excellency, Most Reverend Father Bishop Luisito Audal Occiano represented by Rev. Fr. Eric
John Rojas, Honorable OIC – Executive Judge Ritche R. Regala, Honorable Members of the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Vice Governor Peter “Boss Te” Cua and family, Congressman Leo
Rodriguez of the Lone District of Catanduanes, Congressman Jose “Bong” Teves Jr. of TGP
Partylist represented by Mr. Romeo “Nonoy” Asuncion, Municipal Mayors and Vice Mayors,
Members of the 11 Sangguniang Bayan
Heads of different national and provincial agencies, government owned and controlled
corporations, public and private higher educational institutions, Our partners in the private
sector, Friends from the media, Barangay officials, Fellow government workers, My wife Nancy,
my children, and my whole family watching via live broadcast because they were stranded in
Manila, the Catandunganon people, Those watching and live-streaming via Facebook, and
tuning in via radio broadcast, Dios mayad na aldaw sa saindo gabos asin Maogmang
selebrasyon nin 79th Catanduanes Foundation Anniversary!
Enot sa gabos ginibo na sana niatong simple an selebrasyon ngonyan na taon. From 2 days,
sarong aldaw na sana ini to focus on our relief and recovery operations dahil sa
destrosong dara kan Severe Tropical Storm ‘Kristine’, bako lang sa Bicol kundi sa enterong
Luzon. Mientras dae niato piga-asahan an arog kaitong uran hale sa signal no. 2 na tropical
depression, mantenido ta pa man siyempre an satuyang heightened emergency response.
Mabalos sa satuyang PDRRMO family headed by Mr. Luis Surtida Jr., sa iba’t ibang DRRM kan
mga LGU, asin other emergency response partners sa pagmanehar kan operations on the
ground. Sa mga arog kaining pagkakataon, nasusukol an satuyang tibay bilang nagkakasararong
komunidad.
That is why, in last year’s Ulat sa Lalawigan, I made an important call to each and every one of
you: to urge every Catandunganon to unite in realizing our dream of a truly resilient and
unshakeable Catanduanes. This vision is not just about uplifting our province; it’s about
ensuring a sustainable and stable future for all of us even in the midst of unprecedented
calamities.Sarong pangaturugan na sabay niatong ginigibong realidad katuwang an manlaenlaen
na ahensya, organisasyon asin an opisina kan saindong Catanduanes Government. An
pangaturogan man na ini an naging giya niato sa lambang lakdang na satuyang ginibo kan mga
nakaaging taon para mas makaheras nin magkakanigong suporta sa satuyang mga kahimanwa.
As your governor and public servant, I have been steadfast in aligning all of our efforts in the
Catanduanes Government in achieving this dream step by step. Gatubod man ako na mas
magiging totoo an satuyang mga pangaturog kun kita padagos na nagkaka-sararo. Dara an
mandatong sakong sinumpaan asin sa tabang kan Kagurangnan, bako lang niatong inako an
mga bag-ong oportunidad, kundi kinugos asin sinabayan ta pa ini para mas maging eficiente
asin epektibo an pagrealisar kan satuyang mga pangaturogan.
Over the past years, we’ve achieved remarkable growth. Sa pagtarabangan niato, dakol na man
kitang nahaman para sa totoong “development” nin satuyang probinsya sa manlaen-laen na
aspeto. Sabi ngani nin satuyang mga bisita, naka-angat-angat na an Catanduanes! Pero
pirmi kong pigapagirumdom sa sadiri: dakol pa kamong dapat maresibe. Dakol pang bagay an
dapat gibuhon asin mahaman para sa ikarahay kan buhay nin lambang saro. It is really
humbling to accept that only time will reveal if what we have done are true legacies
that will resonate for the generations to come.
An sigurado sana ngonian, dakol pang mga trabaho an dapat tapuson asin dakol pang isyu an
dapat taohan nin atensyon. Kaya man padagos kitang gaserbi ta maw-ot tang maparinas pa an
buhay nin lambang pamilya sa isla — To improve the lives of Catandunganons is the
best way for me to say “thank you.” Ini an pinakamarinas na paagi nganing mapamate
ko saindo an sakuyang dakulang “pasasalamat” para sa tiwala, suporta asin pagkamoot na
pigtao nindo sakuya.
As we embrace progress and innovation in our 79th year as a province, we ensured that our
programs leveled up as well to meet the demands of time. Pinun-an niato ini sa paagi kan
manlaen-laen na inisyatibo asin serbisyong sentro sa tawo na sakong iheheras saindo
ngonyan.
HEALTH
Enot sa pirming niatong piga-tutukan, iyo an sektor kan salud nin satuyang probinsiya. Sa
lambang kaplanuhan ta, primero sa listahan an pagpapakusog kan satuyang health services asin
facilities. Matapos ko ibareta saindo an mga bagong tugdok na facilities sa EBMC, uminabot na
sa halos 5,100 na libreng treatments an naitao kan ten unit machines kan Hemodialysis
Center. An satuyang CT-Scan facility, lampas 1,400 na pasyente na ang nakinabang. Habang
an satuyang 19th Newborn Screening Satellite Continuity Clinic sa probinsiya, padagos
na nakatabang na maisihan kun an mga bagong mundag igwang mga health condition. Bukod
uya, mapatugdok pa kita nin iba pang bagong pasilidad sa EBMC arog kan heart station,
monogram station, NICU, PICU, acute psychiatric unit, HIV treatment hub asin bagong
tertiary laboratory worth 300 million pesos na na outsource niato sa DOH.Pag ini natapos,
mas lalong dae na kaipo magdayo pa sa harayo o sa ibong kan satuyang mga kahimanwa para
sana makapabulong ta an mga latest health services adyan na. Dagdag pa uya, maserbi man
ining teaching school na magiging dakulang tabang kun magkakaigwa naman nin Medicine
school sa Catanduanes sa mga maabot na taon.
Saro man sa satuyang padagos na nireparo iyo an pagtao nin asistensiya sa mga ti-os niatong
kahimanwa sa paagi kan Medical Assistance to Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Persons
Program o MAIFIPP. Since 2020, we have lobbied and received over 241 million pesos from
various offices and partylists. This includes this year’s 123 million pesos from the office of
Sen. Bong Go, Sen. Francis Tolentino, the Vice President, BHW Partylist,and AKO Bikol
Partylist na may pinakadakulang pondong itinao. Dahil uya, lampas 51,700 na pasyente an
nagluwas sa hospital na daeng binayadan.
Para man sa satuyang Catanduanes Health Caravan, padagos an satuyang pakipagpartner sa
manlaen-laen na organisasyon asin opisina para sa libreng medical, dental, surgical asin eye
mission. Yaon an Catanduanes International Association o CIA, Third World Eye Care Society
Canada o TWECS, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Bicol Regional Hospital and
Medical Center asin iba pang mga organisasyon asin RHU.
Bunga kan pagtarabangan na ini asin kan mga nakaaging medical missions, lagpas 2,600 na
Catandunganon kada taon an nataohan niato nin libreng health services. Kan sarong taon
man, nangako ako sa saindo na dodoblehon ta an pondo sa satuyang programa para sa libreng
kasilyasan. From 5 million pesos funding in 2023, ginibo niato ining 10 milyon pesos
ngonyan na taon. Bago matapos an 2024, laoman nindong lagpas 400 na pamilya sa
Catanduanes an igwa na nin kasilyasan asin malilikay na sa peligrong dara nin open defecation.
Dagdag ini sa naenot nang 293 households sa Baras, Bato, Virac, asin San Andres na
satuyang natabangan kan nakaaging taon. Parte ini kan bisyon niato na maabot an Zero Open
Defecation status para sa isla. Masiguro kaining maiwasan niato an mga cholera outbreak
asin iba pang water borne diseases.
Maogma man akong ibareta na an Catanduanes an 1st ever province sa Pilipinas to fully
implement the Electronic Logistics Management Information System o e-LMIS.
Dakula an magiging tabang kaini sa pagmonitor nin supply chain management. Mapapa-dari
kaini an delivery nin mga supplies asin mababawasan an error sa mga proseso.
Sa mga ondrang ini, boot kong magpasalamat sa PHO family sa pamamayo ni Dra. Hazel A.
Palmes, sa DOH Catanduanes, mga RHU, asin sa lambang kasurog sa pagpauswag, pagpalawak,
asin pagparinas kan mga serbisyong medikal sa satuyang probinsya.
Support to Education
Gatubod man kita na an saro sa pinakaimportanteng parte kan pag-uswag kan buhay, iyo an
pag-kakaigwa nin oportunidad mag-eskwela. Kun kaya man, taun-taong pigasiguro niato na an
satuyang mga programa sa edukasyon, lalo man na minakusog.
Kung maguirumduman nindo, pinun-an niato an inaapod na College Unified Assistance o CUA
Fund kan 2009 na itinatao niato bilang educational assistance. Sa apat na taon kan programang
ini, 6,000 students an satuyang natabangan sa saindang pag-eskwela. Kan kita nakabwelta
bilang Gobernador, siniguro man niato an pagpadagos kaini sa paagi kan CEFAP asin pinahale
niato an limitasyon sa numero nin pwedeng i-accomodate na mga scholars. From 1,500
students per year, we can now accommodate as many scholars as possible. An satuyang
estimate, sa 15 million pesos na alokasyon niato kada taon, dae na mababa sa dos mil na
estudyante an satuyang matataohan nin 2,000 hanggang 10,000 pesos educational
assistance. Sa ngonyan, halos 3,000 na CEFAP scholars na an satuyang napagradwar
puon 2009.
I am also proud to report that since 2021, 32 law and medicine students na an satuyang
naging scholar. And in the last two years, we have recorded the highest number of accepted
CMLS scholars of the province. And I am happy to share that each of our scholars is enjoying up
to 600,000 pesos worth of scholarship benefits per year. Dagdag pa uya, kasabay kan
pagmukna kang College of Law sa solamenteng unibersidad sa probinsiya, walong law
students kan CatSU ngonyan an satuyang pigapaadal – sagot na niato an saindang tuition
hanggang pag-gradwar asin iba pang gastuson.
Maw-ot ko man ibalita na sa presente, anom na an napagradwar kan satuyang CMLS
scholarship. Kabali na diyan ang ngonyan na abogado nang si Atty. Jude M. Tacorda, asin
an limang medicine scholars na nag-graduate sa saindang pag-eskwela. An pioneer
medicine graduates niatong ini, iyo sina: Jirah Garcia nin Brgy. Timbaan, San Andres,
Catherine Tolentino nin Sto. Nino, Virac, Cherry Belle Cabrera nin Sta. Ana, Panganiban,
Michelle Ann Vicente nin Salvacion, Panganiban, asin Christine Sanchez nin San Pedro,
Panganiban. They are now watching online.
Bukod sa libreng pag-adal, an satuyang suporta sa mga joven dae man minatunong sa laog nin
classroom. This 2024 alone, our Catanduanes Government allocated 15.2M pesos to fund the
training and expenses of our student journalists, athletes and teachers as they represent our
province up to the National level. Dae siyempre diyan mawawara an pagtao ta man nin
asistensya sa manlaen-laen na youth sports group sa probinsiya. Kaiba man uya an pagtao ning
printers sa onseng youth development offices sa Catanduanes.
Also with the help of our youth development council and partner youth organizations, asahan
nindo na bukod sa e-sports na saro nang major medal event sa Asian Games, magkakaigwa
naman kita nin opisyal na provincial jiu-jitsu, skateboarding, skimboarding, football asin iba
pang mga bag-ong sports events sa mga masunod na taon. We also allocated funds for their
extracurricular activities, as we believe that every support we provide enables them to seize
more opportunities.
YOUTH SECTOR
Similarly, we provided opportunities for the youth to implement their own community projects.
Through our Grant Based Incentive Support Program, we are able to allocate up to 50,
000 pesos to 5 youth organizations and SKs each year. This is our way of empowering
and nurturing their creativity, and unlocking their leadership potential.
Yaon man an satuyang taunang SAHA Leadership Camp – an prestihiyosong youth camp sa
isla na pig-omaw kan DILG Regional Office ta kita sana sa enterong Bicol an nakapadagos kaini
puon 2022. An kagayunan, sa tolong taon kan SAHA, nag produser na ini nin halos 200 youth
leaders na sa ngonyan mga SK chairman asin officials na, organization leaders asin student
council president and members.
Bukod sa pag-capacitate kan mga ideya asin kakayahan kan satuyang mga joven, adbokasiya ta
man an makatabang sa karera ninda sa trabaho asin livelihood. Kun kaya kada Agosto, ginigibo
niato an Yapak: Job Fair kun sain halos 1,000 na fresh graduates asin youth job seekers
an gapartisipar kada taon. Siring man sa Hiraya: Youth Bazaar, nakatala na an mga young
exhibitors niato nin halos 1 milyong pisong gross sales poon kan 2022.
Para man mas mapakusog pa an pwersa asin suporta sa youth sector, binuo na niato an League
of Youth Development Officers kan onseng LYDO kan probinsiya. Dahil digdi, mas
kumpiyansa kitang mapadari an pagpaabot asin pagresolba nin mga concerns manungod sa
satuyang youth sector. Lalo na ngonian na aprobado naman an 5-year Provincial Youth
Development Plan niato.
Sa mga inisyatibo na ini sa lado kan edukasyon asin youth development maw-ot ko man na
pasalamatan an satuyang CEFAP coordinators, partner schools, ginagalangan na mga CMLS
board asin TWC members, an Provincial School Board pati na an satuyang youth development
officer na si Mr. Dave S. Tolentino.
SOCIAL WELFARE
Katumpar man kan pagtao ta nin prayoridad sa salud asin edukasyon kan satuyang mga
kahimanwa, we are also committed to improve of the lives of the poor, the vulnerable, and the
disadvantaged sectors of our community.
Pirmi niato ining pigapun-an sa pagpapakusog pa lalo kan pundasyon nin satuyang mga
kaakian. Kaya ngonyan na taon, hininguha niatong maipasar an Children’s Welfare Code
nin probinsya. Sa paagi kaini, masisiguro niatong maproteheran asin mai-sulong an karapatan
nin bag-o asin mga masunod na henerasyon.
Siring man, dinoble niato ngonyan na taon an dating 500 pesos cash incentives kan satuyang
Child Development Workers. Maw-ot niatong mataohan pa sinda nin inspirasyon sa saindang
padagos na pagserbi sa satuyang mga Day Care centers.
Dai ta man pigringwan an katorse niatong Children in Conflict with the Law na
presenteng nasa Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth sa Sorsogon. Nag alokar kita nin
lampas 70, ooo pesos na pondo para sa saindang repormasyon. Laom ta man na sa paaging
ini matawan ta sinda nin bag-ong oportunidad na magtalubo asin maging produktibong
miyembro kan komunidad. Nag-alokar man kita nin 600, 000 pesos para sa mga vulnerable
sectors sa paagi nin anti-trafficking and VAWC Orientation, Assessments in Child Development
Centers, asin Home Care Support Service for Senior Citizens. Iba pa ini sa 20 million pesos
na alokasyon niato para sa iba’t ibang asistensya asin programa kan satuyang PSWDO para sa
PWDs asin senior citizens.
Sa presente man, maabot sa lampas 83 million pesos na medical burial, asin transportation
assistance an satuyang nadistribwer sa mga indigent individuals sa irarom kan Assistance to
Individuals in Crisis Situation o AICS. Bukod pa diyan an mga natao niatong cash relief
assistance sa mga TODA drivers na nasa 20 million pesos, asin iba pa para sa mga
construction workers, market vendors, BHWs, BNS, out-of-school-youth, paraoma, parasila,
LGBT community members sa tabang kan DSWD asin iba pang ahensya.
Dios mabalos man sa satuyang Provincial Social Welfare Development Office, sa pamamayo ni
Ma’am Rosella Navar asin sa DSWD sa eficienteng pagmanehar kan mga programang ini.
AGRICULTURE
Living in an island province, we believe that our capacity to be self-sufficient is vital. Sa lado
nin agrikultura, mportante na an suporta niato sa mga para-oma asin parasila dae man nin
patod.
Yaon an satuyang mga rice and corn development program high value crops development
program, farm mechanization and post-harvest program, capability building and institutional
development, asin iba pa na pig-pondohan ta nin halos 20.6 million pesos. As well as our
rice farmers cash assistance with an allocation of more than 35 million pesos through the
help of various agencies.
Katakod kaini an manlaen-laen na asistensyang satuyang pig lobby asin naresibe hale sa
Department of Agriculture asin DOLE para sa Abaca related assistance na may kantidad na
dae mababa sa 110 million pesos. Minakusog man an satuyang mga agricultural and fisheries
operations dahil sa mga pasilidad na satuyang pinondohan na minaabot sa 13 million pesos
arog kan Capitol Farmville, Tilapia Hatchery, Fish Farm Nursery, Grow Out Nursery,
Hydroponic Greenhouse, asin kabali man an satuyang dairy farm sa Catanduanes State
University.
Nahihiling ta an resulta kan satuyang mga programa sa lokal na mga produktong naproduser
asin napabakal kan satuyang mga farmers lambang igwa kita nin Kadiwa ng Pangulo. As of
September 2024, our series of Kadiwa ng Pangulo have recorded a total of more than 700,000
pesos worth of sales. Asin maogma akong ibareta na ngonyan na taon, kita an may pinakadakol
na nagibong Kadiwa ng Pangulo sa buong Bicol.
Gabos ini naging posible sa tabang kan satuyang mahigos na Provincial Agriculturist, Mr. Ace
William Tria asin kan Department of Agriculture.
ENVIRONMENT
To further boost our agricultural and environmental efforts, in June 2024 we launched our
flagship program called Project Restore. In just 4 months, we have already planted more
than 9, 000 trees and mangroves. In the next five years, we aim to plant 1 million trees
across different deforested areas in the province to address the worsening effects of climate
change.
An saro pa niatong flagship program na Save Our Sea Turtles o Project SOS na satuyang
pinun-an kan 2011 asin naging ganap na ordinansa kang 2018. Mas lalo pang sinuportahan kan
iba’t ibang stakeholders asin Catandunganon. Kada taon, dae mababa sa 20 endangered na
pawikan an satuyang na-rescue. We also provide cash incentive and fishing tools for every
pawikan rescued to encourage dynamic community participation in this initiative.
Sa mga programa niatong ini, maw-ot ko magpasalamat sa satuyang ENRO asin mga partner
agencies niato, an DENR asin BFAR. Through our agricultural and environmental programs,
we are set to achieve sustainability as we lay down the foundations for integrated development.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Sa lado man kan imprastraktura, sa paagi kan Provincial Engineer’s Office naipadagos niato an
pagserbi para sa kaginhawahan asin kauswagan nin kada sitio asin barangay.
Since our term as local chief executive, we have a total of more than 1,300 completed
infrastructure projects worth more than 2 billion pesos. An mga proyektong ini
nakasentro sa disaster prevention asin mitigation arog kan pag-parinas nin mga provincial
roads, streetlights, water systems, drainage systems, river and flood controls asin sea walls.
Importante ini, lalo na ta kita pirming piga bagyo arog kan nangyari ngonyan na semana. Kabali
na uya an mga proyekto niato in support sa 360 circumferential road project kan satuyang
national line agencies.
Adyan man an pagkonstruct asin pagrepair niato nin manlaen-laen na pasilidades kan
Catanduanes Government. Kabali na an electrical system repairs sa mga hospital asin an
pagpaayos kan PDRRMO Communication Tower asin pag construct kan Command Center kan
satuyang DRRM.
These improvements help strengthen our overall development encompassing agriculture,
health, disaster risk reduction and management, and other social services. Dios mabalos man
kay Engr. Felix Vargas Jr. asin Engr. Franco Monjardin asin sa saindang pag-iriba.
ECONOMY/EMPLOYMENT
Saro sa mga newly created mandatory office niato iyo an Public Employment Services Office o
PESO. In carrying out its mandate of full and equal employment opportunities, we have already
provided jobs to more than 500 students during their semestral break. Since 2019, maabot
sa 4.8 million pesos an total counterpart kan Catanduanes Government sa pasweldo sa
sainda. These efforts not only provided valuable experience for the youth but also eased the
financial burdens of their families.
We also held the annual Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan Jobs and Business Fair, which resulted
in 23 job seekers being hired through two job fairs organized by PESO.
Dagdag pa uya, uminabot since 2021 sa halos 80 million pesos ang pondong pig-roll out kan
programang TUPAD kan DOLE asin kan Provincial Government na nabenipisyuhan ang
maabot sa 18,573 displaced workers across the province.
Ngonian na taon, naka-request man kita sa DOLE ning additional 50 million pesos para sa
pag-implementar ning TUPAD na may kaiba na tree planting program asin makatao ning
emergency employment sa halos 8,000 informal sector workers. This week also, katakod kan
deklarasyon ta ning State of Calamity, ang DOLE ma-download sa Provincial Government of
Catanduanes nin 20 million pesos TUPAD fund bilang parte kan satuyang disaster
response sa 3,000 displaced and disadvantaged workers sa satuyang probinsiya.
Moving forward, ang PESO-Catanduanes papakusogon pa ang pagtao ning labor market
information, pag-implementar nin career development, skills training sa informal sector
workers, asin pagpauswag kan OFW Help Desk. Sa gabos na ini we commend the PESO
Catanduanes team, na pinamayuhan ni Mr. Prince Subion, asin ngonian by its new department
head Mr. Gerry Rubio.
Bago man matapos an taon, pigalaoman man niato an ganap na establishment nin special
economic zone sa banwaan nin Panganiban. Businesses that will soon operate there will
enjoy various tax incentives. Dahil uya, madakol an negosyante asin employers na
magkakainteres mag-invest sa Catanduanes. Kaya man piga-expect niatong maka-generate ini
nin 2, 000 hanggang 3,000 na trabaho para sa satuyang mga kahimanwa.
PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT
Nasusustenir ta an pag-uswag nin satuyang ekonomiya ta dae man kita gapabaya na protehiran
an peace and order sa isla. Importante ini sa pag-hikayat niato na maglaog an mga investor.
Manungod sa sitwasyon nin drug prevention and control sa Catanduanes, nakakua an satuyang
isla nin 100% “drug-cleared barangay” status kan nakaaging Setyembre. This is a
significant progress in our campaign against illegal drugs. Kaya boot ko man i-congratulate si
PDEA Provincial Officer Roberto “Obet” Sebastian, an satuyang Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse
Council, mga municipal and barangay officials, asin iba pang mga partner na nagkontribwer
para marealisar an dakulang tagumpay na ini.
Afuera sa paglaban sa ilegal na droga, satuya man na tinutukan an pag kontra sa human
trafficking asin VAWC. As a matter of fact, parehong nakakua an satuyang Provincial Inter-
Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking and VAWC asin an Local Council for the Protection of
Children nin ‘high functionality’ rating sa nakaaging DILG performance and functionality
assessment.
Igwa pa man nin magayon na bareta na naghabol ngonyan na Oktubre. Kan nakaaging semana,
opisyal nang naideklarang malaya sa impluwensya nin mga Communist Terrorist
Group an satuyang probinsya. Palakpakan ta man an Catanduanes Provincial Police Office,
Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard iba pang mga uniformed personnel asin an satuyang
SP Committee Chair on Peace and Order, PBM Robert “Obet” Fernandez, para sa
saindang efforts na masigurong ligtas sa banta ng terorismo an satuyang isla asin para maabot
ta ang estado nin Stable Internal Peace and Security.
TOURISM
Now recognized for its safe, peaceful and happy atmosphere, Catanduanes is surely enhancing
its potential as a leading tourism destination. Our proactive stance against insurgencies and
other criminal activities is benefiting our tourism sector, which is flourishing more than ever.
Nahiling ta man kun inano mas naging matunog an pangaran kan satuyang isla lalo na dahil sa
social media. Our beloved Happy Island has now been frequently visited and featured by local
and international tourists and vloggers.
Nakaabot na man sa Catanduanes an mga nationwide tourist activities arog kan motourista
overlanding, asin Volkswagen bug run, na mabwelta man satuya sa masunod na Pebrero. Just
last October 2023, for the first time Catanduanes has become part of an international cruise
expedition. Dahil uya, nagdu-ong an Coral Adventurer Expedition Cruise Line dara
an mga Australian tourists asin ini masusundan naman ngonyan na Oktubre.
Puon kan 2007, naging bisyon ta na ang tourism sector an sarong major driving force kan
satuyang pag-uswag. Kan pagpuon ta kan 2007, an tourist arrival ta nasa 40,665 lang asin an
satuyang tourism gross receipts nasa 48.8 million pesos sana. At present, our tourist arrivals
have surged, with a whopping 398% increase since 2007 which is equal to over 81,000
visitors for the first half of 2024 alone. This also contributed to 120 million gross receipts
from January to June 2024 alone or a total of 491% increase in tourism gross receipts
since 2007. An mga numerong ini, patunay na an satuyang turismo dakula an ambag sa paguswag
kan satuyang ekonomiya.
Tourism is truly the future of Catanduanes. It provides economic opportunities, supports
businesses, and creates jobs for our people. With continued collaboration and dedication, I am
confident that we can elevate our island to even greater heights. We owe much of this
achievement to our Provincial Tourism Office, led by the hardworking Ms. Carmel Bonifacio
Garcia.
Satuya man na pigapasalamatan an lambang establesimiento, business owners, asin tourism
workers sa saindang kontribusyon sa mga accomplishment na ini.
FINANCE/ GOOD GOVERNANCE
I am also proud to share that over the past year, we have made remarkable progress and
achievements in the crucial aspects of good governance and revenue generation.
Asin naogma man akong ibareta sa saindo ngonyan, na from a 3rd class province, magiging 2nd
class province na an Catanduanes sa masunod na taon.
Dahil uya, madadagdagan an satuyang kapasidad na mag-alokar pa nin pondo para sa mga
programang pang serbisyo publiko. Mas mahalangkaw man an sweldo ning satuyang mga
employado. Siring man, magkakaigwa kita nin access sa mas dakol na financial aids, grants and
assistance para sa satuyang mga kahimanwa.
Kan nakaaging taon man, sa paagi nin epektibong tax collection strategies niato nagkaigwa ning
128.56% na collection efficiency an satuyang Provincial Treasurer’s Office sa manlaen-laen
na local sources, arog kan real property, amusement, franchise, asin quarry tax.
Dakulang parte kaini an pagrebisa niato ngunyan na taon kan Revenue Code asin Quarry
Ordinance kan probinsya. Nagdoble na an satuyang collection ngunyang 2024 kumpara kan
nakaaging taon.
As of October 2024, lampas 3 million pesos na an total quarry collections niato kun sain ⅓
kaini hare sa mas mahigpit na monitoring and imposition kan penalties para sa manlaen-laen
na quarry violations. Kaiba man uya an 30% provincial share kan probinsya sa lampas 1.8
million pesos total gross amount collected from quarry tax na gaabot sa 561,000 pesos.
For these, I would like to commend our Local Finance Committee, na pinangengenotan nina
Maam Inyang, Engr. Elsie, Maam Erme asin Maam Ning. Dahil man sa saindang paghinguha,
ginawadan kita nin prestihiyosong Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping for Fiscal Year
2023. An onrang ini patunay na kita sa Kapitolyo, marinas, malinig, asin responsable sa
pagkapot asin paggamit nin pondo.
We would also like to commend:
Our Provincial Project Monitoring Committee for getting 1st Place, as Outstanding Local
Project Monitoring Committee for 2023. Palakpakan man niato an satuyang PPMC
headed by our committee chair, Virac Mayor Samuel V. Laynes. Mabalos sa pagsigurong marinas
an pag-implementar nin satuyang infra and other related development projects.
Our PHO for bagging multiple awards at the 12th Salud Bikolnon Awards such as Green
Achiever Award, Best Performing LGU on Risk Assessment for Non Communicable
Disease Intervention, and Best Implementer for Blindness Prevention Program.
Our EBMC, JMA District Hospital, and several municipal hospitals for receiving awards, such
as the Best Implementer of the Newborn Screening Program, and the Best Mental
Health and Substance-Use Prevention Program Implementation.
Our PSWDO for garnering two commendations from the DSWD’s Vulcan Awards for the
exceptional support during the disaster response operations of the regional office and in the
implementation of the AICS, particularly in providing a conducive transacting office for clients
and personnel.
We are also honored to receive the Oragon Award from DOLE Region 5, in recognition of our
successful implementation of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program and the TUPAD
program.
These achievements and many more are a manifestation that every provincial government
employee continuously strives, even beyond their mandate, to provide Catandunganons the
quality public service that they deserve.
Ini man an rason kun ngata binalik niato ngunyan na Oktubre an roll-out kan Ugnayan sa
Barangay. An obheto kan inisyatibong ini iyo an mapalani sa satuyang mga kahimanwa an
serbisyong Kapitolyo. Idinara ta sa mga barangay an libreng legal services, pagdistribwer nin
libreng prescription glasses, bulong, wheelchair, libreng check up asin iba pa. In the 8 out of
11 municipalities we have already visited, the 18 offices of the Catanduanes Government
have served approximately 5,100 Catandunganons. An mga natadang munisipyo satuya
man na bibisitahon sa masunod na semana.
Katakod kaini, igwa pang report na pigheras sako kan Lunes. Kita naideklara na naman otro
na sarong national passer nin prestihiyosong Seal of Good Local Governance kan DILG.
Saro ini sa mga hininguha talaga niato na makua bago matapos an satuyang termino. This will
finally be our comeback from our last Hall of Famer record in 2015-2017 for the prestigious
SGLG. Sa achievement na ini, boot kong pasalamatan an satuyang SGLG Provincial Team Head
and Provincial Administrator, Maam Laling, sa lambang department heads asin sa DILG
Catanduanes.
An sakuyang pamabalos sa lambang department head asin empleyado kan Kapitolyo. Dahil sa
saindong puspusang pagtrabaho asin pagserbisyo, napaheling asin napamate niato an satuyang
dedikasyon sa mahusay asin marinas na pang-gu-gobyerno uya sa Islang Maogma.
CONCLUSION
Sa huring walong bulan niato sa Kapitolyo, pano nin pasasalamat an sakuyang puso para sa
tiwala asin pagkamoot na saindong itinao sa laog nin pa-kinseng (15) taon bilang
gobernador.
Dakulang onra sa buhay nin sarong Boboy Cua an magserbi saindo bilang lider asin ama kan
probinsya — sa oras man an nin kakusugan o kadeficilan ; sa panahon man an nin kaugmahan
o kamunduan.
Together, we have built a solid foundation of progress that will serve as stepping stones for
Catanduanes to reach even greater heights. Nagtanom kita nin mga pisog nin pangaturugan,
oportunidad, asin posibilidad. Asin sierto ko na matalubo an mga ini. Magiging masarig na
pundasyon ini na masasandalan nin lambang Catandunganon, maski sa mga maabot na
panahon. Matao man ini nin mahamis na bunga nin pag-uswag na mananamitan nin gabos.
But the work is far from finished. As I take a new path and humbly seek another opportunity
to serve, I feel blessed knowing that my brother, our vice governor — a person of unwavering
principles — stands ready to take up the challenge.
By the grace of God Almighty, I will pass the torch to the next chief executive, not in farewell,
but with great hope for a brighter tomorrow. I have no doubt that Vice Gob Boss Te, if given a
chance, will lead Catanduanes with strength, integrity, and a vision that builds upon all we
have achieved.
Awat na niatong pinatunayan na kitang mga Catandunganon dae basta mapadaog sa mga bagyo
nin buhay, ta kita gakasararo sa satuyang mga obheto. Primero na uya ang i-angat an buhay
nin lambang saro. Dai dapat nin mahuhubon sa satuyang pag-asenso.
That is why I am appealing to the leaders who will be elected in the upcoming Midterm elections.
Emerge united and embrace a shared vision! Regardless of our differences and political
colors, I humbly ask that you prioritize the welfare of every Catandunganon above all
else. Pagkasararo an kaipuhan ngunyan nganing totoong mapangyari an piglatag niatong mga
plano nin pag-uswag sa probinsya. Kaya man, padagos sana kitang magtarabangan para sa
mas makusog, mas progresibo, asin mas inklusibong Islang Catandungan, ngonyan asin sa
maabot pang mga taon.
Salamat sa pagtao sako nin tsansa na pagserbihan kamo. Salamat sa pagtubod sa sakuyang
kapabilidad. Salamat sa pagpadaba. Salamat sa pagtiwala sa sarong Joseph “Boboy” Cua. For
one last time, as Governor Boboy, Happy 79th Catanduanes Foundation Anniversary mga
padaba! See you around.
Sulong Catandungan sa Bagong Pilipinas!