IBA, Zambales — Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. on Monday announced that the province has experienced revenue growth in the past years, which helped it obtain first-class status once more.
Delivering his State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the Legislative Building, Ebdane said Zambales has consistently demonstrated a remarkable annual average income of P2.09 billion over the past three years (2020–2022).
He said this cemented the province's place in the league of top-ranking provinces.
“Being recognized as a first-class province signifies that Zambales is on an upward trajectory of economic growth, which will undoubtedly benefit our communities and ensure a more equitable distribution of resources,” the governor noted.
In his speech, Ebdane also shared his administration's development roadmap for the next five years and called on Zambaleños to “believe to see.”
He said the provincial government has been consistent in its delivery of social services and successful in income generation.
Health, social well-being
Part of this road map is the improved health and social well-being for Zambaleños within 2023 to 2025; enhanced sports, accommodation, and convention facilities in 2024 to 2026; a robust mango industry and improved farming and fishing in 2023 to 2028; and empowered communities and self-reliant citizenry from 2023 to 2028 and beyond.
“Our five-year development roadmap entails an integrated approach, encompassing not only infrastructure development but also robust economic advancement and social development,” Ebdane said.
The governor noted that the development plan fosters “inclusive growth and development anchored on the needs and aspirations of our people.
He cited the state-of-the-art Capitol building that was started late last year with a reported budget of P500 million.
According to Ebdane, this was necessary to address the pressing issue of insufficient office space, and to create an optimal work environment for employees of the provincial government.
RM Memorial Hospital
He said he will also expand President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital to increase its capacity to 250 beds; install state-of-the-art equipment, and recruit additional medical specialists; as well as upgrade two district hospitals and one community hospital.
In 2024–2026, Ebdane said his administration will focus on enhancing sports by establishing a Human Kinetics and Sports Development Center, upgrading accommodation and convention facilities by expanding the Balin Sambali for larger spaces for meetings and conventions, and building a “Teatro Zambaleño," a world-class auditorium with a seating capacity of 3,000 guests.
In terms of improving the quality of education, Ebdane said more courses will be offered at the President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU), especially in the engineering field, likeMining Engineering.
He also cited coordination and collaboration with him by the province's two congressmen, 1st District Rep. Jefferson "Jay" Khonghun and 2nd District Congresswoman Doris "Bing" Maniquiz.
Maniquiz congratulated Ebdane, together with the Vice Governor and the Sangguniang board members.
According to Maniquiz, she is always by the governor's side, supporting all his endeavors for the welfare of the people and the province of Zambales, "which is very fortunate."
PHOTO CAPTION : Zambales government officials led by Vice Gov. Jacque Khonghun and Congresswoman Doris Maniquiz congratulate Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. following his State of the Province Address on Monday, January 15. (Randy V. Datu)
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