Maglanque completes 36 Infra-projects in 100 days

CANDABA - The municipal government here under the leadership of Mayor Rene Maglanque has implemented various infrastructure projects in different barangays to address the pressing needs of the families, school children and communities.

 

The mayor said, it is his mission as public servant to bring the message of concern, change and development that would be felt by the Candabenios as a whole.

 

“I serve my constituents not for self-gratification but for the sake of love and care to the people whom I vowed to help uplift their standard of living with the minimal budget we have in the municipal government,” Maglanque said.

 

He said that what is important is that the Candabenios are benefiting from the projects being undertaken by the municipal government.

 

“We have accomplished so many works in our first 100 days, but we still have more projects to undertake. We cannot do it overnight. But we will do our best to complete our mission and vision to achieve our goal of growth and development even in the countryside to stand and stand proud.

 

Maglanque assured the Candabenios that whatever happens in the future, he would stand up and stand proud as their leader who talks less but works more.

 

“We will see to it that the people are being served with community participation and involvement to ensure that our programs and projects are intact and attuned to the needs of the people,” he added.

 

During his first 100 days, Maglanque has initially accomplished the following projects: improvement of Mapaniqui Barangay Road;  improvement of Mandili Barangay Road; repair of Paralaya High School; repair of Malisik River Dike at Mapaniqui; improvement of Barangca Road; repair of Various Municipal Building, sandbagging operation at Maasim River Dike (V. San Pablo, V. Sto. Nino, V. Sto. Cristo & Pulong Gubat); improvement of Salapungan Elementary School; re-painting of fencing at Mapaniqui Elementary School; improvement of Mandasig Elementary School; improvement of Lourdes Elementary School; repair of Tagulod Day Care Center; installation of 5 Set of Artesian Well at Barangay Mapaniqui; improvement of Mandasig Elementary School; repair of Mangilit Dike (Pasig Section); concreting of Paralaya Pathway; improvement of Public Market and Poblacion; removal of plant box & restoration of pavement at Pescadores; rehab of Buas Drainage Canal; concreting of pathways at Barangay Paralaya; concreting of pathways at Barangay Paralaya; improvement of public market; installation of drainage canal, cover at public market; installation of jetmatic at Mapaniqui High School; installation of Artesian Well at Barangay Pasig; installation of artesian well at Barangay Mandasig; installation of artesian well at Barangay Paralaya; installation of drtesian well at Barangay Mandili,   improvement of Mandili High School; installation of 5 Set of artesian well at Barangay Mapaniqui and  repair of Jetmatic at Lourdes Elementary School.

Motorists to police: "Be respectful during check points"

STA. ANA - Private motorists yesterday urged the members  of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province who were tasked to conduct  random check points  to become polite as they implement  "Oplan Sita." 

Ernie Villanueva recalled that while driving his car along with his wife and children in Barangay Sta. Lucia, this town, he was scolded and greeted disrespectfully by a police personnel manning a checkpoint in front of Holy Cross College. 

"Nakikita munang may check point dito. Buksan munang agad ang ilaw ng loob ng sasakyan mo. Dapat ko pa bang sabihin yun sa iyo?," a police personnel allegedly  told Villanueva in sarcastic manner the other night. 

It can be recalled that the  Provincial Police Office (PPO) under the leadership of Police Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde strengthened its "Oplan Sita" in preparation of the upcoming barangay elections. 

 Oplan Sita is a regular police activity designed to fight criminality and apprehend criminals through setting  up of check points in strategic places.

Reports have it that police check-points are on a 24-hour duty stationed on strategic places to monitor the movement of suspicious people and motorists.

"Para sa amin naman po ang ginagawa nilang checkpoints pero sana maging magalang naman sila sa mga motorista lalu at may batang pasahero," Villanueva noted. 

The additional police reinforcement were assigned on 62 barangays considered as election areas  of immediate concern.

Rescue team undergo WASAR training

MASANTOL - Members of the rescue team here is currently undergoing a five-day water search and rescue training (WASAR).

The training is being administered by the Provincial Disaster Risks Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) headed by Angelina Blanco. 

Blanco, a   staunch advocate of disaster preparedness in Pampanga stated that the activity is aimed at developing a rescue unit  that is responsive to the needs of the people in any situation as may be brought natural calamities. 

The PDRRMO chief noted that WASAR provides training from personal safety, survival, basic life saving, to rubber boat assembly and engine operation as well as navigation and maneuver rules. 

Blanco noted after the training, the rescue unit is expected to  be more effective disaster responder in this coastal community.

"Running a rubber boat and rescuing a drowning victim is totally different," Blanco explained.   

Masantol is among the municipalities in Pampanga which is considered as a disaster prone - flooding in particular

With this, she opined that there is a need to empower every adult citizen with life-saving skills.

"Siguro dapat isangkot din natin ang bawat pamilya sa disaster preparedness. Kailangan sila ang unang nakahanda sa anumang sakuna," Blanco explained.

Binay agrees on relocation of landslide families

ARAYAT - Vice President Jejomar Binay yesterday  agreed with the provincial government that relocation is the long term solution to the problem confronting some 381 families in Barangay San Juan Bano here who were displaced due to landslide. 

Binay, also a concurrent chairman of Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) instructed the National Housing Authority (NHA) to provide its land consisting of 10 hectares in Barangay Telapayong in the same town as a relocation site for the affected families.

He said that the new settlement  will be jointly established by the national government through NHA and provincial government.

"Yung share namin yung lupa tapos yung development ng lugar ay sa kapitolyo na," Binay added.

The vice president clarified that residents in the coastal municipalities who wanted to be relocated can also avail the same. 

With this, Governor Lilia Pineda thanked Binay for  showing concern  to Kapampangan who were affected by the Typhoon "Santi."

Pineda meanwhile stressed that the affected area is no longer safe for the residents as huge boulders on top of Mt. Arayat are due to go down to  communites established at the foot of the mountain. 

 

She further stated that there is no guarantee on the safety of the residents as another landslide is expected to happen with strong downpour. 

"Habang wala pa  yung lilipatan nila, kapag may ulan kailangan munang silang pumunta sa ligtas na lugar pwedi silang bumalik pagkatapos," the governor noted. 

It can be recalled that on September 26, 2009, a landslide claimed the lives of 12 residents in Purok 7 in Barangay San Juan Baño.

The area was wiped out by strong mud flow and huge stones coming down from the mountain.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources  repeatedly stated that Mt. Arayat National Park is “critical,” and landslides may occur anytime with heavy downpour.

It was claimed that huge volume of sediments, boulders and mud are found on top of the mountain, and this could probably trigger another landslide during the rainy season.

Joining Binay were Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino, Provincial Disaster Risks Reduction Management Officer Angelina Blanco, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Elizabeth Baybayan and  Apalit Mayor Jun Tetangco.

Student suffers with leptospirosis

CANDABA – A fourth year student in Paralaya High School had been recently diagnosed to be suffering with leptospirosis.

Benita Delos Santos, in an interview,  confirmed that her son Meljun, 16 was infected with leptospirosis after the latter’s open wound was exposed to floodwater.

“Tumulong pa siyang magtaas ng gamit sa aming bahay ng tumataas ang tubig at pagkatapos ay nilagnat na siya ng mataas ng ilang araw,” she said. 

The mother added that her son had been continuously discharging his food intake while having high fever.

Meljun was brought to San Luis District Hospital wherein he was subjected to various medical tests.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. 

Humans become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment. 

The bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes. 

In the early stages of the disease, symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, chills, redness of the eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, haemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhoea, and rash.

Capitol to distribute relief packs in Candaba

CANDABA – The provincial government though its social works department is scheduled to distribute relief packs to flood affected residents in various communities in this town today. 

Candaba is among the hardly hit municipalities in Pampanga by the recent Typhoon “Santi” which resulted to 10-feet floodwater in Barangay San Agustin.

Aside from this, more than 430 houses were partially and totally destroyed by strong wind during the onslaught of the typhoon.

Elizabeth Baybayan, provincial social welfare and development (PSWD) officer disclosed that a day before the actual date of distribution, her group already visited the locality to identify residents who are in need of assistance.

To further promote order and speedy manner of relief distribution, PSWD personnel had provided stubs to the residents.

They personally hand over stubs to every affected family using ordinary boats with the assistance of the concerned local folks and capitol's Public Information Office whose officer-in-charge reportedly grew up in the said swampy area of Candaba.

Governor Lilia after the presentation on the extent of damages in the province the other day made by Provincial Disaster Risks Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) and its counterpart in the municipal level decided to provide assistance in any capacity  that is within the capability of the provincial government. 

She instructed the Baybayan to coordinate with the concerned municipal social welfare and development officers for the final list of the flooded families in each municipality.

Pre-emptive evac saves hundreds

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The pre-emptive evacuation implemented by the local government unit of Arayat had saved some 300 families residing at Purok 7 of Barangay San Juan Bano from "clear and present danger."

This came Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino ordered the evacuation of the concerned families a day before the onslaught of Typhoon "Santi." 

The  affected families were evacuated in a safer ground inside the national park wherein one of the evacuees who suffered injury due to a fallen metal debris was immediately given medical attention. 

Earlier, huge volume of mud, rocks and debris cascaded down Mount Arayat as a result of the continuous rains brought about by the typhoon. 

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) through its Chief Angelina Blanco is constantly coordinating with the local chief executive of Arayat for the immediate needs of the displaced families. 

It can be recalled that on September 26, 2009, a landslide claimed the lives of 12 residents in Barangay San Juan Baño, Arayat town.

The area was wiped out by strong mud flow and huge stones coming down from the mountain.

Meanwhile, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources previously reiterated that Mt. Arayat National Park remained “critical,” and landslides may occur anytime with heavy downpour.

Engr. Noel Lacadin, MGB chief geologist is not late in explaining that huge volume of sediments, boulders and mud are found on top of the mountain, and this could probably trigger another landslide during the rainy season.

Sales lady sustains gun shot wound

CANDABA - A sales lady in a drug store at  Barangay Tenejero this town sustained a gunshot wound at the right foot Sunday evening.

The local police identified the victim as Cindy Yumang, 20, an attending sales clerk of Kapampangan drug story  in the said barangay.

Initial investigation disclosed that at about 7:20 PM of October 13, two an identified persons on board of a motorcycle allegedly had  opened  fire on the store wherein the victim is currently on duty.

Recovered from the crime scene are three empty shells and three deformed slugs.

Police investigator Leonardo Sombillo claimed that Yumang is now safe and being treated at Baliuag Hospital.

He said, the motive is still unkown as the  investigation is still on going.

Sombillo told Sun Star Pampanga that  they will ask the  assistance of the Regional Crime Laboratory Office 3 based in Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando to examine the recovered evidence for possible identification of the suspects 

Typhoon "Santi" damages 430 houses in Candaba

CANDABA - More than 430 houses from different barangays in this town were partially damaged  by strong wind brought about by Typhoon "Santi the other night."

Cresecita  Fidelino, Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) Officer-in-charged reported that two other houses from the Barangays Bambang and Mangga were totally damaged. 

She said in the Barangays of Cuayang Bugtong and Mandili  at least 300 houses were damaged as Tpyhoon "Santi"started bombarding the province particularly this town with its strong wind. 

In Barangay Barangca, 80 families were termporarily displaced  as the typhoon destroys the roof  portion of their houses. 

As this developed, Mayor Rene Maglanque ordered Fidelino to account all the damaged houses and identify the  families affected for possible assistance coming from the municipal government. 

He also assured the affected families that the municipal government will be helping them in any capacity that is within their authority.

"Pinapalista na natin kung sino sino ang mga nasiraan ng bahay at tutulungan natin sila," he said. 

"Santi" left 3 dead, 108 barangays flooded

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Typhoon 'Santi' with international codename Nari had left three dead and at least 108 barangays flooded in 12 municipalities in Pampanga.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Angelina Blanco, in her report, identified the casualties as  Michael Parungao, 34, a resident in Barangay Lourdes, Candaba town, Ricardo Del Rosario 81,  of Purok 2, Brgy. Mawaque, Mabalacat City and Police Officer 1  Cresencio Bueno, 26, Ayala, Magalang town. 

Parungao died to electrocution in Barangay Magumbali in Candaba at height of Typhoon "Santi", while the two others  were pinned down due to a collapsed wall of Don Bosco Academy. 

Arayat Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Officer reported that landslide occurred at Purok 7,  Barangay San Juan Bano with no casualty. 

Hundreds of families are temporarily staying at the evacuation centers established in the area. 

Meanwhile, PDRRMO also disclosed rampaging floodwater overtop a portion of Minalin Tail Dike which caused damaged to the said flood control structure. 

Bungang Guinto river in between the Barangays of San Antonio and San Lorenzo in Mexico town overflowed. 

The municipal engineer in the town of Sta. Ana likewise reported that Matubig Creek along the Sta. Ana - Maglang road sustained big volume of water which goes to the communities in the neighboring communities. 

PDRRMO is consistently coordinating with various MDRRMOs  relating to the monitoring of various river channels in the province. 

The local government units were advised to undertake precautionary measures to initiate preemptive evacuation in low lying barangays particularly those in the coastal municipalities. 

Due to Typhoon "Santi": PDRRMO actives operation center

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Provincial Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) yesterday had activated its operation in operation center at Old Department of Foreign Affairs building.

This came as Troprical Storm "Santi" intensified into a typhoon  reportedly moving   towards Aurora and Isabela areas. 

Pampanga is placed under storm signal no.2. 

Angelina Blanco, PDRRMO chief, in her report  disclosed that classes in elementary and high school levels in Pampanga were suspected as declared by the Department of Education due to bad weather except in the municipality of Arayat wherein classes were not suspended. 

Available equipment and other resources in the PDRRMO operation are three military trucks, one elf truck,  for Ford Everest,  one rubber boat,  four  fiber glass boats, 50 life vests, 12 life rings,  10 portable radios,  one generator and 28 personnel on stand-by. 

All municipal and city local chief executives  were also  advised to activate their  respective municipal disaster risk reduction management counil and operation centers to preempt any untoward incident. 

The concerned officials  were likewise advised to undertake precautionary measures to initiate  pre-emptive evacuation in low-lying and mountainous areas. 

PDRRMO is closely monitoring major rivers, tributaries and other water channels in the province.

Town sets to distribute equipment

CANDABA – The municipal government here is set to facilitate the distribution of another 22 hand tractors and one shallow tube well (STW) to accredited farmers’ organization.

These farm equipments were provided by the Department Agriculture (DA)  as support to the local farmers and to the town’s agricultural sector in general.

Mayor Rene  Maglanque said that he is happy with the continuing show of support of the leadership of   DA as manifested with the various assistance pouring into the municipality.

He added that this initiative is a big help to the farmers as farm equipment and STW given are useful during planting and harvest season.

Maglanque, however, reminded to the beneficiaries to properly maintain the equipment for the common use of all farmers in the locality.

With this, he instructed the municipal agriculturist to check from time to time the condition of the equipments and to make sure that conditions set for the entitlement are being observed by the beneficiaries.

Earlier, Maglanque along with the DA officials spearheaded the initial distribution of five hand tractors and four shallow tube wells in a simple ceremony held in front of the municipal hall.

With this, the farmer-beneficiaries lauded agriculture department for the support.

Aside from the farm equipment, DA likewise awarded some 60 heads of native goats to identified individuals as alternative source of livelihood in the community.

Health exec notes partnership with LGUs

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – An official from the Department of Health- Center for Health  Development (DOH-CHD) the other day noted  partnership with the various local chief executives in the province  in the implementation of the “Kalusugan Pangkalahatan” program by the national government.

 

Leonita Gorgolon, DOH-CHD regional director said that the participation of the concerned officials is important in the success of the program implementation.

 

“Hindi naman po namin mararating ang bawat barangay kung wala ang tulong ninyo lalu na yung paghahanap sa mga poorest of the poor na bibigyan ng natin ng tulong sa pamamagitan ng mga programang pangkalusugan,” she added.

 

Earlier, a joint declaration of commitment with partner-agencies of the national government was held to ensure that every Kapampangan is healthy and productive as promoted by the provincial government through Governor Lilia Pineda.

 

Gorgolon also recognized the contribution of various health workers stationed in every municipality and barangays in achieving goals of the program.

 

On the part of the provincial government, several vehicles including motorcycles previously distributed were being utilized by the barangay-recipients in bringing patients to the hospitals and monitoring of health programs.

The same were also used in locating indigent individuals in Pampanga who badly  need medical assistance. 

The capability of district hospitals and rural health units were likewise strengthened and readied for accreditation with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC).

Guv: "Do not help unregistered NGOs"

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Governor Lilia Pineda the other day suggested to the national government   to avoid  giving  assistance to non-government organizations (NGOs) which failed to be registered in the provincial government. 

She said that NGOs and other peoples organization need to be accredited and secured clearance  in the provincial level before they could avail entitlement or support particularly monetary assistance  from any department of the government. 

This was in response with the present controversy in the national government involving NGOs and the higher officials. 

It can be noted that several NGOs were used by some corrupt officials to satisfy their personal interest which resulted to misused of government funds. 

With this, she  urged the concerned organizations in Pampanga to get or renew their accreditation every year so that the same could be evaluated  being partners in development of the province.

The registration of the interested organizations with the provincial government can be done with the help of the provincal board. 

However, Pineda clarified that only those duly accredited NGOs and public organizations by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will be entertained for the registration in the province. 

In  case of the cooperatives, they need to be listed in the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) or to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Training on "OpenStreetMap" held

CANDABA - The Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC) led a three-day training on "OpenStreetMap" (OSM) in this town. 

The initiative is aimed at assisting the local government unit on disaster risk reduction training on participatory mapping within the locality. 

ESSC is a Jesuit research organization in the Philippines that promotes environmental sustainability and social justice through the integration of scientific methodologies and social processes.

Its mission is to contribute to a critical and holistic understanding of the dynamic relationship between biophysical and social processes in collaboration with partners for the appropriate management of the environment for human development.

Emmanuel Sambale, ESSC geomatics associate explained that  OSM is a collaborative project to create a free editable map of the world.

He said initial map data were originally collected from scratch by volunteers performing systematic ground surveys using a handheld GPS unit and a notebook, digital camera, or a voice recorder.

 These  data were then entered into the OpenStreetMap database.

The  training  was attended by the municipal employees representing various department. 

Projects implemented despite depleted budget -Mayor

MASANTOL  - The municipal mayor here the other day bared that they were able to implement tangible projects despite the almost depleted budget  for the current fiscal year. 

This statement was made by Mayor Danilo Guintu  in a document entitled budget message for fiscal year 2014  submitted to the Sangguniang Bayan.

Guinto delivered his first of state of the municipal address during Monday flag ceremony as witnessed by the members of the local legislative body, department heads and employees of the municipal government. 

The projects implemented include the construction of CAFGU detachment in Barangay Bebe Anac and COMPAC offices in the Barangays of Sto. Nino and Kalsadang Bayu.

The slaughterhouse and embankment of road encroachments in Barangays Sto. Nino and San Nicolas were also rehabilitated. 

Other projects were desilting of creeks in Sta. Monica and San Agustin and provision of street signs within the locality. 

"We were also able to repair and do necessary maintenance work on the municipal work on the municipal hall main building, the PNP/BFP building and the health office," the mayor stated.

Bambo file driving was also done at the Arabia Checkgate in Barangay Bebe Anac and de-clogging of drainage line canal at Metro Plaza.

"Akin pong ipinababatid sa inyo na mula noong ako ay maupo ay tumaas ang porsiyento ng koleksiyon natin sa ating palengke. Hangad ko rin na maging agresibo tayo sa pagkolekta sa ating lokal taxes," the mayor ended. 

Guv to barangay aspirants: avoid issuing negative statement

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The provincial chief executive recently asked  incumbent barangay officials and their would be rivals in the upcoming elections to avoid issuing negative statements against each other.

Governor Lilia Pineda made this effort in her desire to promote a peaceful conduct of barangay elections. 

“Tell them not to hit each other below the belt instead present their platforms and plans. This is what the people need to hear from them,” she said.

She also encouraged them to stay away from mudslinging and personal attack to prevent grudges and hard feelings among families and supporters.

Pineda in a recent meeting, reminded the mayors in various towns in the province to remain not to engage in partisan politics.

The governor stated that it would be for the best interest of voting Kampangans if the mayors would remain neutral by not endorsing candidates for the barangay elections. 

It can be recalled that the filing  of certificates of candidacy starts on October 15 and will end on October 17 while the campaign period will on October 18 until 26. 

Casting of votes will be on October 28 starting seven in the morning up to three in the afternoon.

On election expense augmentation: Comelec warns to file election offense vs. refusing barangay officials

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Incumbent barangay officials are threatened to be charged with an election offense if they  'wilfully' refuse to comply with the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) call to augment certain percentage of their budget to cover expenses of the upcoming elections. 

Lawyer Lydia Pangilinan, Comelec provincial election supervisor in a recent meeting with the barangay officials, urged them to settle their respective share on the date specified by the commission to avoid facing inconveniences.

The concerned officials are given up to October 18 to comply with the Comelec's initiative asking for augmentation to support the conduct of the elections. 

"The amount will be charged on the Sangguniang Kabataan funds," she said.  

Last Thursday, President Benigno Aquino III  signed into law an act  postponing SK elections originally scheduled on Oct. 28 to allow Congress to reform the youth council.

Earlier, Pangilinan disclosed that only  P1.17 -billion has been allocated by the government  for the conduct of  2013 barangay elections.  

This accordingly is not enough to cover the expenses of barangay elections in the  country covering more than 40,000 barangays.

The Comelec earlier stated that they need a total of  P3.45 billion for the barangay elections.

It can be recalled, Comelec passed Resolution No.9739 mandating all local government units to set aside P10,000 from each clustered precinct to help them defray election expenses.

Every barangay is required to set  aside not less than P10,000 for the election but not more than 10 percent  of the available general  fund.

Section 50 of the Omnibus Election Code supported the Comelec initiative on augmentaion of funds. 

It was furthered explained that local government units are obligated to appropriate funds to defray necessary and reasonable expenses of the members of the board of election tellers, board of canvassers and the printing of election forms and procurement of other election paraphernalia and the installation of polling booths.

Health department, capitol lead "Balikatan Pangkalusugan"

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in the region and the provincial government recently spearheaded a forum dubbed as "Balikatan Pangkalusugan" held at the Clark Freeport Zone.

The health department was represented by CHD Director Leonita Gorgolon joining Governor Lilia Pineda of the provincial government along with other elected officials. 

The activity is aimed at setting the mood towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of the country. 

MDGs are eight concrete, time-bound and specific targets anchored on eradicating extreme poverty by 2015. 

The eight MDGs are:  end extreme poverty and hunger;  achieve universal education;  promote gender equality;  reduce child mortality;  improve maternal health;  combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases;  ensure environmental sustainability; and  develop a global partnership for development.

These goals are set to be achieved with the help of the Community Health Team (CHT) earlier established in various localities in Pampanga. 

CHT was previously lauched by DOH, with the Departments of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Education (DepEd).

This is intended  to guarantee that every family in the community is periodically visited and attended by health providers as part of the government’s efforts to achieve Kalusugan Pangkalahatan or Universal Health Care.

Also present during the forum were barangay elected officials in the province.