NEWLY-assumed Vice-Gov. Nick Besas presided over the inaugural session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol held at the SP session hall last week. The 1st session was a blast with the presence of Gov. Aris Aumentado and provincial heads of offices and employees.
But the SP “shall remain to be the strong bastion of independence, accountability, transparency and consensus building. We will remain to be an impartial body, being a co-equal branch, as we put foremost the interest of the Boholano people as our top priority as we enact quality legislations and policies.” Besas said.
He also said that the SP will be an active development partner of the governor to ensure the steady progress of Bohol.
In his inaugural speech, Besas laid down his policies that under his watch he called on his colleagues SP members to be punctual “to show respect to other participants in our dealings, meetings and other transactions, especially to our resource persons.”
“Secondly, I wish we conduct our deliberations and our sessions in a statemanly and dignified manner, ug gawas pa ana dili necessary nga dugay ta mahuman especially kay naa pa man pod tay precon daan.”
But this may be a “case-to-case basis depending on the nature and context of our deliverables on a particular session day.”
He also understands that SP is a deliberative body, so debate is inevitable in every session since divergence is part of the process. “It is no Sangguniang without debating, that is not arguing, that is not having different views, diverging decisions some of the time.”
“But of course, as much as possible, we shall see to it under my stewardship, that at all times we do not go beyond the bounds of decency and decorum.”
He urged everyone to be a team player even if they are on different political fences to be able to serve well the people.
Besas expressed his gratitude to his family and the people in general for supporting his cause.
Gov. Aumentado in his short message to the inaugural session stressed the need for collaboration between the SP and the Governor’s office for the benefit of the people.
“However, nothing can be done without a strong understanding and cooperation between the executive and legislative branches that the only way forward is thru collaboration and extensive work to make things happen,” he said.
The governor has bared his plans and priorities, including the following: Enhancing agriculture/ aquaculture to achieve food security; increasing output by way of investment and economic enterprises; institutionalizing buy-back program; to make way for urban development in Tagbilaran/ neighboring towns; promote property development; and enhancing the gains and completing the initiatives being started.
He also thanked his team and the people in general for the needed support to achieve his vision and objectives. (rvo)
