by PS Mabaquiao

San Jose, Antique (8 October) -- The Provincial Development Council (PDC) after thorough deliberations of the province' vision, mission statements and strategic directions has approved its Executive and Legislative Agenda (ELA) and endorsed the same to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for adoption.

During the PDC meeting held recently at CAP Building here, Governor Salvacion Z. Perez expressed her appreciation for the support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members that despite political differences they joined hands in crafting the ELA of the province with the vision of achieving a socially, economically, politically and environmentally stable community.

Governor Perez further said that the ELA of the province is in line with the thrust of the national government which are hunger/poverty reduction, education for all, quality health care services, sustainable use of country's resources, local revenue generation and creation of jobs through local and foreign investments among others.

Rosario F. Maza, Provincial Director, Department of Interior and Local Government likewise discussed the local special bodies its functions and composition to refresh the members of the PDC of the committees/boards which are mandated in Republic Act 7160 of the Local Government Code which will also help them carry out their functions to achieve responsive local governance.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during her visit to India said that the Philippines is now on the path to permanent economic growth and stability, with poverty alleviation her administration's primary goal during the next three years ending in 2010.

The President said that increased government earnings or revenues either through raising the effective collection of taxes or sale of government assets is necessary component of poverty alleviation. With the raised revenues, the important thing to do is to invest more in human resources and physical infrastructure to create jobs and upgrade the country's competitiveness.