A province is rich if even those in the marginalized sector do not go hungry while hoping to get better in life, a mindset that could only come from a political leader honed in the character of compassion and empathy for the less in life.
“The poor needs the government more,” says Representative Ruth Mariano-Hernandez of the 2nd District of Laguna. Political observers in the province believe she is ready to take over the leadership of Laguna from her husband, Governor Ramil Hernandez, who is finishing his third term in office.
Driven by this reason why governments exist, Cong Ruth, expressed her intention to shift from law making to direct governance that delivers the services to the people and community. She is running for governor of Laguna in next year’s elections.
Her experience in lawmaking, from councilor in the City of Calamba in 1995 to member of the House of Representatives, helps in crafting her vision for the province, even as she commits to expand her husband’s “Serbisyong Tama” programs.
A healthy economy is most important to her, saying, “I define a healthy economy exists when families earn for their food and basic necessities. Earnings come from employment and business activities for all.”
“Governor Ramil achieved so much in making a proud Lagunense, leading Laguna to number 1 LGU contributor to the National Gross Domestic Product (P990.69 Billion in 2022)”, the solon tells OpinYon Laguna, adding that what her husband has achieved she will continue with the same spirit of compassion in “Sipag at Malasakit.”
“Creating opportunities for family income and business will become the centerpiece of my governance agenda,” she said, adding that taking advantage of Laguna’s competitive edge in attracting economic activities is a good start.
Tourism
Laguna should reclaim its rightful place as preferred destination for tourism and reap revenues in this sector, creating new jobs, direct and downstream, she added.
She sees even better reason for investors to prefer Laguna as she promises to improve communications and transport connectivity, saying the local government will be easier to access.
Top priorities
Healthcare and education are top on her list of priorities saying for the Lagunense to be competitive in the employment market he/she should be educated and healthy.
Among others, Hernandez plans to expand current programs including the Serbisyong Tama Health Card (Blue Card) for medical assistance; the "Iskolar ng Laguna” scholarship program; and the "Love Laguna" tourism campaign.
Hernandez also plans to continue the People's Day and Serbisyong Tama Caravan as vehicles of making public services more accessible to the people, as well as expanding the services currently offered by the Provincial Capitol Extension Office in Calamba City.
She also pledged to push through the completion of the Laguna Regional Hospital in Bay, the province’s first tertiary-level government hospital, which started construction last May.
Laguna is a top destination for investments in economic zones that create employment and jobs.
Cong. Ruth said opportunities that will bring revenues to the family will be identified and under her leadership, the provincial government commits to further develop the agriculture sector, especially in the 3rd and 4th districts.
“These farms supply the food we eat, the government should nourish them, let the farmers earn and bring down the cost of food,” she said.
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