INAUGURATION. Newly-elected Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III during his inaugural speech on Wednesday (June 29, 2022). Guico aims to establish more economic zones in the province to boost the economy and provide more employment to Pangasinenses. (Screenshot from Province of Pangasinan's Facebook Page)
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Newly-elected Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III is eyeing the establishment of more economic zones in the province to boost the economy and provide more employment to Pangasinenses.
Guico, in his inaugural speech on Wednesday, said he is set to focus on the province’s economy as one of his priorities along with good governance, education, health services, food security, and peace and order.
Guico said he plans to create more economic zones in the first and second districts of Pangasinan in addition to the economic zone previously established during his term as a congressman in Binalonan town.
“A vibrant economy means more job opportunities for the people. If we empower people via their earning capacity, then we are assured of many positive results inside the family and in the community as well,” he added.
Guico said he plans to make Pangasinan a haven for business, commerce, and trade.
“We will open doors for domestic and foreign trade and establish trade agreements,” he said.
A special office for investment and promotion of the province taking into consideration the best practices in doing business, such as the presence of one-stop shop business centers, shunning of red tape, and possible granting of tax incentives and benefits, will also be created, he added.
Meanwhile, Guico said his other agenda in his first term is good governance with good housekeeping, fiscal management, efficient use of manpower, and transparency and accountability.
He also plans to institutionalize the scholarship program of the province, seeing education as a “right of every person”.
“The goal is to make basic and quality education accessible to the Pangasinenses,” he added.
Guico also intends to hire more doctors and nurses as part of the improvement in the health services offered by the provincial government-run hospitals.
“Always give comforting smiles to the patients. Show true sympathy to the patients,” he said, addressing the hospital staff.
For food security, Guico said he will further introduce and improve farm mechanization as well as livestock production.
He also encouraged the police to strengthen law enforcement and increase visibility to maintain peace and order in the province.
Guico won with 885,272 votes against incumbent Governor Amado Espino III. (PNA)
