Yap says Boholanos won’t forget Isko Moreno’s kindness after Typhoon Odette

Courtesy Call to Bohol Governor Arthur Yap

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines – Bohol Governor Arthur Yap on Wednesday warmly welcomed Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Isko Moreno Domagoso at the provincial capitol as he expressed the gratitude of Boholanons for the kindness shown by the future “president” during the province’s time of need.

“Mr President, magandang umaga po. On behalf of the province of Bohol, taos puso po namin kayong tinatanggap sa kapitolyo. On behalf of the people of Bohol daghan pong salamat Sir. Hindi mo kami nakalimutan in the times sa panahon ng bagyong Odette. Nandito kayo within a few days. Hindi ko po makakalimutan nagdala po kayo ng ayuda, nagdala po kayo ng generators, nagdala po kayo ng financial na tabang,” Yap solemnly told Moreno after the Manila city mayor paid him a courtesy call before embarking in a series of campaign sorites in the province.

“Maraming pong salamat, Sir sa pagbisita. Wala naman kaming agenda kundi ipakita na lang sir na tinatanggap ka namin sir. Mainit na mainit ang pagtanggap po ng lalawigan po namin sir,” Yap added.

Bohol was under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 last December 16 when Typhoon Odette hit the province. It made two landfalls in Bohol – President Carlos P. Garcia, and in Bien Unido – leaving severely damaged homes, buildings, establishments and government facilities and infrastructure, as well as communication facilities and power lines all over the province.

As soon as the airport was cleared of debris, Moreno flew to Bohol on December 20 to personally hand over an initial P1 million in financial assistance, four generator sets and food boxes for typhoon victims in the island province.

For his part, the 47-year-old presidential aspirant thanked Governor Yap and the people Bohol for their warm welcome to him and the rest of Team Isko, saying he is just doing, in whatever little way he can, to help fellow Filipinos in dire need of help.

“Masaya po kami na ang Batang Maynila ay naging bahagi na maibsan kahit papaano yung dinaranas at dinanas ng mga Boholano noong panahon na talagang nangangailangan ang ating mga kababayan. Kami naman, just trying to be man for others. We’ll never know kalian din namin kakailanganin ang tulong sa Maynila,” Moreno said.

“But for now, I’m happy with your warm welcome, and naka-recover na kayo kahit papaano. Congratulations sa inyong lahat dito sa Bohol. Keep the faith and stay safe. Sabi nga, kapag hindi ka sumuko, magtatagumpay ka sa lahat ng suliranin at pagsubok sa buhay,” said the 47-year-old presidential candidate.

In a subsequent media interview, Moreno said the quick recovery of Bohol under an able and dynamic leadership is how he envisions the Philippines under his administration if given the chance.

Courtesy Call to Bohol Governor Arthur Yap

“Magandang example ang Bohol. Makikita mo, kapag talaga tubig, kuryente, communications, infrastructure, mabilis na aangat ang isang bayan. And Governor Yap is bata, agresibo, mabilis ang isip, mabilis kumilos,” he said.

If elected president, Moreno has vowed to pursue a “Life and Livelihood” economic policy that aims to address poverty, hunger, unemployment, inequality and social injustice through though the effective, efficient and prudent management of government resources under an open, transparent and inclusive administration, as spelled out under his 10-point Bilis Kilos Economic Agenda.

To achieve this, the first two years of an ‘Isko Moreno presidency’ will focus on building facilities that will provide the minimum basic needs of the people – quality housing, education and health care, and creating jobs and livelihood opportunities.

Under his accelerated infrastructure program, infrastructure development will be focused in areas or provinces with low human development index (HDI), particularly in Mindanao and the Visayas, to bring about a more inclusive economic growth. Priority will also be given to building more power plants, both conventional and renewable, to ensure a stable and affordable supply of electricity to grow the economy and attract foreign investments.

To further hasten human and economic growth, Moreno also vowed to strengthen physical, economic and digital linkages among growth centers and the rural economies, as well as promote and strengthen medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) to further provide livelihood and job opportunities.

Under Moreno’s Bilis Kilos 10-Point Economic Agenda, the building of tourism highways and development of tourism circuits will be prioritized along with the promotion of sustainable tourism and event-based tourism.

Part of his programs to strengthen the tourism sector is the protection of all heritage sites in the country, including the large number of old churches in Bohol that is one of the most attractive heritage characters of the island province.

“Isang asset ng Bohol is churches, mga pamana sa atin, they must be protected. Tapos yung tourism sites, Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, these should be protected,” Moreno said.

In the meantime, Moreno and the rest of Team Isko – vice presidential candidate Dr. Willie Ong and their senatorial candidates Carl Balita, Samira Gutoc, Jopet Sison and guest candidate John Castriciones – will continue to reach as many Boholanons as possible in as many places in the province.

With the warm and sincere welcome of Governor Yap and the Boholanons to start the day, Moreno is already looking forward to a very fruitful campaign in the province.

“Diretso uli sa tao, bayan-bayan, more kilometers, more eyeball, more warm bodies, basta diretso sa tao. But I’m very grateful for the very warm welcome of Governor Yap and provincial officials and my co-public servants. I’m very happy, napaka-warm. Alam mo kasi pag totoo, mararamdaman mo naman,” he said.

And this warmth and sincerity from the people, along with his faith in God, is what keeps him going despite the tall odds he is facing in his journey.

“Sabi ko nga, basta patuloy tayong manalig sa Diyos, huwag tayong susuko sa anumang pagsubok na kinakaharap natin, malalagpasan din natin ito,” said Moreno.

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