By Neela G. Duallo

City of Mati, Davao Oriental (12 July) -- After one year, Davao Oriental Vice-Governor Mayo Almario bared the accomplishments that the 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan has achieved in such a span of time.

Taking pride in authoring the mandatory drug test, the Vice-Governor said the measure for all public officials in the province of Davao Oriental.

"I do not want public service to be stained with people hooked on illegal drugs. With this measure, we can ensure a healthy community," he said.

The 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan Presiding Officer already proposed the said bill when he was still in Congress, representing the second district of Davao Oriental.

"Even President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo went through the drug test when she vied for re-election years back," he added.

Almario also emphasized that men and women in public service must be set the example for people to follow.

"With this measure also, we can safely say that the delivery of basic services can be more effective, and efficient. The work gets easily done, and people can definitely benefit from this," he explained.

The 12th SP Presiding Officer boasts that the Sangguniang has acted on resolutions and ordinances hat has hopefully started a better life for Davao Oriental constituents.

One of the most important measures that the law making body approved was the ordinance on the Phil Health membership of indigent families in the province.

"The budget was approved, and 25,000 families will now be Phil Health members and card holders. And we can still come up with more beneficiaries," the Presiding Officer divulged.

In the inauguration of the new Out Patient Department, OPD Building of the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital, the Vice-Governor hurled what could be the biggest challenge to all health workers.

"I say that the project is only 50% finished, and it's just the physical structure. I can say that it is 100% finished if the people get satisfied with the services rendered by the hospital workers".

The local lawmaker also initiated the realization of the Mangrove Plantation in Barangay Badas, City of Mati on April 21, 2008, and the Tree Planting in the SP Complex in Brgy. Dahican on May 28, 2008.

And most importantly, Almario reported that the 12th SP enjoys its independence while maintaining it's support to the executive branch of the provincial government.