New governor vows new Bukidnon: “Government money is people’s money”

MALAYBALAY CITY (BukidnonNews.Net) Bukidnon Governor-elect Rogelio Neil Pepito Roque has vowed to push for a new Bukidnon in his speech where he underscored his administration’s core principle: “government money is people’s money”.

“We owe to the people the most efficient use of their money paid from their own sweat and tears through their own sacrifices,” he added during the oath taking of newly-elected provincial officials at the Folk Arts Theater here, which was streamed live via the LGU – Bukidnon Facebook account.

Governor-elect Roque who took his oath before Judge Isobel G. Barroso, Regional Trial Court 10-Branch 8, is the outgoing congressman for Bukidnon’s fourth district.

Roque cited some of his administration’s key programs. He said he will set up extension offices in the towns and cities to ensure the provincial government services become more accessible.

He also vowed to create a more comprehensive provincial health plan that is “all-inclusive and complementary”. He said this will not only provide the basic health service but which “will hopefully make our hospital resources complete and competitive”.

Roque said he will also set up an agricultural support system that will take into account farmers’ needs first. During the campaign period, he promised to set up a voucher system in granting assistance to farmers. He said he came from a family of farmers himself.

“(The vouchers system) will give farmers their choice of seeds and fertilizers and when they need to use it,” he added.

He also vowed to set up a social services system that is more accessible to the people. During the campaign he clarified that he will not make people queue in the Capitol grounds just to hand financial assistance.

Roque, whose family belongs to business people in Valencia City, also vowed to foster a strong business environment that will promote commerce in the province. He said he will give importance to policies that will generate and promote business opportunities for all “free from excessive regulation”.

“If we want more jobs, there should be more business,” he added.

He cited the need to end the bondage of poverty in the province through education and jobs.

He also declared openness for the help from others.

“Let me just add that Bagong Bukidnon (new Bukidnon) needs the help of everyone – I need help from all of you,” he added.  He appealed for support from other elected officials for unity to "put forth these programs that will help the people". 

He cited that with the “help of the Vice Governor and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan we will be able to continue programs and innovate new program that will alleviate the lives of the constituents".

In thanking supporters, Roque cited that family was his strongest back bone. He cited the difficulties experienced by the people of Bukidnon through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is a great challenge as I step in to be the new governor of the province … but there is light at the end of the tunnel” he added.

Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, Senate President Pro-Tempore, officiated the oath taking of Vice Governor-elect Clive D. Quino.

Bukidnon's four members of the House of Representatives were also scheduled to take oath Tuesday but only Jose Manuel F. Alba (1st district) and Jonathan Keith T. Flores (2nd District) were able to take oath in the event.

Outgoing Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr, who has won as 3rd district congressman, was not around due to a scheduled renewal of vow with his wife in Manila, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said.  Representative Laarni R. Roque (4th district), wife of the governor elect, has earlier taken her oath in the House of Representatives. 

The members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan also took their oath before Judge Barroso. Senator Zubiri was set also to give his message during the ceremonies.

The other SP members are: Mario B. Albarece, Jr and Eliezer S. Onahon of the first district; Nemesio B. Beltran Jr, Lorenzo L. Dinlayan Jr, and Hollis C. Monsanto of the second district; Benito U. Baguio, Minerva C. Casinabe, and Joseph D. Palmada of the third district; and Ranulfo Jose Z. Pepito Jr. and Rodrigo A. Rosal of the fourth district.

The new officials will serve their three-year term starting July 1, 2022, a day after the end of term of current officials. (BukidnonNews.Net)   

This story was published with the support of Internews Philippines.

Photos courtesy of the LGU Bukidnon Livestream