House Speaker Martin Romualdez (center, seated) with the 17 governors (Speaker’s Office)

Several provincial governors have accepted the challenge of House Speaker Martin Romualdez to adopt an intensified whole-of-government approach in fighting poverty and other issues facing the country.

During a meeting on Sunday night, Sep. 8, the governors shared their readiness to extend a helping hand to the efforts of the national government.

Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, said cooperation between local government units (LGUs) and the administration of President Marcos will lead to better progress in the renewed effort to curb poverty.

“We can accelerate poverty reduction in our country if the national and local government units work together,” he said.

Accepting the Speaker’s challenge, Isabela Governor Rodito Albano says his local government is eager to help reduce poverty. He noted that it has always been a problem in his province’s urban centers and rural areas.

“Nakahanda kaming tumulong sa patuloy at mas maigting na paglaban sa kahirapan,” said Albano.

(We are ready to help in the continued and intensified fight against poverty.)

“Getting our people out of poverty should be a shared goal of the national government and local government units,” he stressed.

Albano, in particular, said the government has to develop and modernize the agriculture sector to improve the methods and productivity of farmers.

Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas likewise expressed his willingness to help get their constituents out of poverty.

“Masaya kami na binigyang pansin ni Speaker Romualdez ang problemang ito, at tinatanggap namin ang hamon niya,” Mandanas said.

(We are happy that Speaker Romualdez has drawn attention to this problem, and we welcome his challenge.)

For his part, Quirino Governor Dax Cua is seeking to have more meetings with the Speaker as well as other local officials to flesh out details on fighting poverty and other provincial problems.

Romualdez earlier made the challenge, on behalf of the Marcos administration, last Thursday night during a meeting with 27 governors.

During Sunday’s second meeting, the House leader met with 14 other governors. Aside from Albano, Mandanas, and Cua, they are as follows:

• Rogelio Roque of Bukidnon
• Erico Aumentado of Bohol
• Henry Oaminal of Misamis Occidental
• Datu Pax Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat
• Susan Yap of Tarlac
• Humerlito Dolor of Occidental Mindoro
• Jose Gambito of Nueva Vizcaya
• Peter Unabia of Misamis Oriental
• Sharee Ann Tan of Samar
• Eduardo Gadiano of Occidental Mindoro
• Joseph Cua of Catanduanes
• Manuel Sagarbarria of Negros Oriental
• Hajiman Hataman Salliman of Basilan
• Rhodora Cadiao of Antique