Davao del Norte ready for ASEAN integration

DAVAO DEL NORTE, August 7, 2015 – The province of Davao del Norte is ready for the economic integration of the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) late this year.

Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario assured the readiness of the province during Monday’s Convocation program hosted by the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRO).

The governor top billed the rich agricultural resources that give the province its comparative advantage in the global arena. 

“This is an opportunity for us as we move toward ASEAN integration. We have an advantage on Cavendish banana, cacao, bangus and other products,” he said.

The Chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-XI stressed the importance of instilling good agricultural practices to the farmers, particularly to boost their position in the ASEAN community.

He underscored the important role of the PAGRO in adapting to the challenges of the AEC.

Aside from the agri sector, the governor also bared the ongoing re-structuring of the provincial government organization is timely in the preparation of the province.

He said the reorganization of some Capitol offices is meant to strengthen the competitiveness of the province to face the challenges of the AEC.

“Davao del Norte has agri products but need to preempt the flow of people. That’s the reason why we are putting emphasis on how to educate our people so that we can improve our human resource. So that we will become more competitive with our ASEAN neighbors,” del Rosario explained.

The governor also cited the efforts of his administration in enhancing the capability of provincial employees.

“We have the Davao del Norte Learning Institute (DNLI) to help our employees become college graduates, thereby becoming more competitive when the integration happens this year,” he said.

He bared the provincial government-owned academy has 180 provincial scholars and we will extend to outsiders like the Barangay Health Workers, DayCare Workers to become accredited and become license holder,” continued del Rosario.

While he did not discount the challenges ahead, the governor encouraged everyone to take the integration as a big opportunity rather than a hindrance.

“While there are big difficulties ahead of us, we will look at it more as a great opportunities. There is no difficulty that does not present any opportunity … so let us take advantage of the potentials in the near future,” concluded del Rosario.

In the same occasion, del Rosario recognized the invaluable contribution of Provincial Budget Officer Norma Lumain, particularly for her stint as OIC-Provincial Administrator for four years, six months and four days, to be exact.

She was succeeded by former Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Jennifer Namoc-Yasol. (Lunesito Gorgonio)