GOV. REYES TAKES PCSD CHAIR

by Alex S. Marcaida
Media Bureau Chief

In a special meeting held at Palawan Center in Makati City last July 13, 2007, the PCSD installed Hon. Gov. Mario Joel T. Reyes as the new Chairman of the Council. Cong. Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra, outgoing Chairman, officiated the traditional oath taking ceremony filled with hopes for a more dynamic leadership of the new stewardship. With this elevation, Gov. Reyes vacated, and as unanimously moved, turned over the post of Vice Chairmanship to Hon. Cong. Antonio C. Alvarez, who also took his oath. Reyes is the 5th PCSD Chairman after the formers: late Gov. Salvador P. Socrates, then Cong. Alfredo Abueg Jr, Cong. Vicente Sandoval, and Cong. Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra.

Governor Joel T. Reyes and Congressman Antonio C. Alvarez being sworn in by outgoing PCSD Chairman Abraham Khalil B. Mitra as Chairman and Vice Chairman of PCSD Mayor Reyes, Gapuz, Reisland also took their oath.

Governor Reyes is expected to meet the PCSD Staff on July 20, 2007 in Puerto Princesa office to lay down his overall thrust and directions whereby subsequent plans and programs of the office will be anchored from. Reyes, on a separate radio interview, stressed that in his term, PCSD will be more responsive to the issues confronting the various parameters of sustainable development as prescribed under the SEP Law, but likewise sensitive to the basic needs of the Palaweños. Representatives from other mandated offices also took oath: Mrs. Virginia Gapuz (extended for another year, representing the Business Sector), Comm. Jannette Serrano Reisland of the NCIP, & Mayor. Mario T. Reyes Jr., the new President of Palawan’s Mayors’ League.