Reelected Bulacan guv bares plans to boost agri, health sectors

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan – Reelected Governor Daniel Fernando bared his plans to further develop the province of Bulacan, with focus on agriculture, health and education.

Fernando, along with other provincial candidates who won in Monday's elections, was proclaimed Tuesday night.

In an interview, he said he has many "millennial programs" in the pipeline and has discussed them with some of the department heads of the provincial government.

"I will strengthen the agricultural, health, educational, continuous job hiring, recovery program and the need to initiate and implement the comprehensive land use program in the municipalities," he said.

Fernando cited the Sangguniang Panglalawigan as his ally in implementing his plans and called on his constituents to continue to cooperate with the government.

Based on data released by lawyer Rene Cruz, provincial election supervisor of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) – Bulacan, Fernando garnered 987,160 votes while his closest rival, Vice Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, received 577,087 votes.

On the other hand, Alex Castro garnered 755,785 votes against the 615,242 votes of former Gov. Jonjon Mendoza, to secure the vice gubernatorial seat.

The newly-elected officials thanked their province mates for their trust and confidence.

Also proclaimed were newly elected Rep. Danny Domingo of the First District; Rep. Tina Pancho of the Second District; incumbent Rep. Lorna Silverio of the Third District; Rep. Linabelle Villarica of the Fourth District; Rep. Ambrosio Cruz Jr. of the Fifth District; Rep. Ador Pleyto of the Sixth District and Rep. Rida Robes of the Lone District of the City of San Jose Del Monte.

For the Sangguniang Panglungsod, proclaimed were Allan Andan and Mina Fermin of the First District; Pechay Dela Cruz and Dingdong Nicolas of the Second District; RC Nono Castro and Aye Mariano of the Third District; Jon-Jon Delos Santos and Allen Baluyut of the Fourth District; Ricky Roque and Teta Mendoza of the Fifth District and Jay De Guzman and Art Legaspi of the Sixth District.

Proclaimed mayors were Bocaue Mayor Jon-Jon Villanueva, Mayor Christian Natividad of the City of Malolos, Mayor Henry Villarica of Meycauayan City, Mayor Ronaldo Flores of Dona Remedios Trinidad, Mayor Jocell Vistan-Casaje of Plaridel, and Mayor Omeng Ramos of Santa Maria.

Eight were first-time mayors – Jowar Bautista of Angat; Lem Faustino of Calumpit; Agay Cruz of Guiguinto; Baby Manlapas of Hagonoy; Merlyn Germar of Norzagaray; Ding Valeda of Obando; Gazo Galvez of San Ildefonso; and Cholo Violago of San Rafael, who ran unopposed. (PNA)