Categories
Platform
PROGRAMS OF GOVERNMENT
Defensor said his programs will focus on developing additional sources of power, water and environmental protection.
Defensor will also conduct a reevaluation of the province's health programs and hospitals.
"We will also craft a comprehensive development plan to keep up with the changing times in our province," he added.
Garin said one of his thrusts is on agriculture, particularly the establishment of an animal and plant laboratory.
Garin said he is concerned with the lack of facilities that will help Iloilo farmers diagnose animal and plant diseases.
SHOW OF FORCE
The declaration also served as a show of force, a coalition of major political sectors in Iloilo. Aside from the Garins, who rule the 1st congressional district, Rep. Ferjenel Biron, Vice Gov. Rolex Suplico and former congressman Licurgo Tirador lent support to the Defensor-Garin tandem. A total of 33 Iloilo mayors have committed to support Defensor's candidacy even if his chief opponent, Barotac Viejo Mayor Raul Tupas, is the incumbent president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines in Iloilo.
Reportedly, the Syjuco couple - TESDA Director General Augusto and incumbent Rep. Judy - will support the Defensor-Garin tandem despite their falling out with Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Oscar Garin.
Oscar Garin ran for governor in 2001 against Gov. Tupas but lost.
The Garins attributed the defeat to Augusto Syjuco's sudden change of heart and turned his support to Tupas.
Another "surprise supporter" in the Defensor-Garin tandem is Board Member Rodolfo "Boy" Cabado who has been identified with the Tupas group.
Cabado said there is nothing shocking in his decision to support Defensor as their friendship goes a long way back when they belonged to the same law office before.
Cabado said Defensor has always been his ally throughout his political career.
