CEBU CITY –– For the sixth consecutive year, Cebu remained the richest province in the Philippines with P203.9 billion in total assets, according to the latest Commission on Audit (COA) report.
But for Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, the distinction should not be viewed as a celebration but as a challenge to pursue more projects that would impact the lives of ordinary Cebuanos.
“Well, it’s a nice title but that’s far as it goes unless the people really feel the impact of being the richest province in the country,” said Garcia.
“I will not bask in that glory because it presents an even heavier challenge to make each and every Cebuano realize that their lives are better because Cebu is the richest province,” she added.
The distinction, the governor said, means they have to accomplish much in terms of infrastructure or projects that are readily felt by ordinary people.
“The challenge to accomplish more projects is even heavier amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.
Cebu has a total of P196.19 billion worth of properties and cash worth P7.7 billion for a total asset of P203.9 billion.
Next to Cebu province are Batangas with 20.7 billion in total assets, followed by Rizal (P20.2 billion), Davao De Oro (P20.09 billion), Bukidnon (P18.2 billion), and Surigao Del Norte (P16.6 billion).
Completing the top 10 richest provinces were Negros Occidental with P15.9 billion, Leyte (P13.5 billion), Palawan (P13.036 billion), and Iloilo (P13.034).
Garcia said she was eyeing more road and water projects as priorities as these would have more impact on ordinary residents.
She, however, admitted that there was a significant slowdown in these projects due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before 2022, Garcia wants to concretize all road networks in the province by 80 to 90 percent.
She said they have also allocated more than a billion pesos for waterwork projects that aim to provide level three water supply or faucet in every home.