Workshop participants headed by Governor Sol F. Matugas (seated, center) and Vice Governor Arturo Carlos A. Egay, Jr. (standing, eight from right) pose for a class picture with NEDA-Caraga Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, CESO IV (seated, third from left), Dr. Julie Catherine D. Paran (seated, third from right), and DAP Managing Director Dr. Alan S. Cajes (seated, second from left).

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Center for Governance-Local Governance and Development Office, conducted the Strategic Planning Workshop for the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte on 21-23 August 2017 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, Davao City.

Governor Sol F. Matugas delivers her opening remarks during the Strategic Planning Workshop for the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte

Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas emphasized the message shared by Mayor Casimiro A. Ynares III of Antipolo, that collaboration is more than just getting out of each other’s way, it requires collaborators to go out of their way to make the journey easier, faster, and more meaningful. With this, she hopes that the shared vision will really be felt by everyone in their province down to the last unit in society so that all will go in the same direction.

Vice Governor Arturo Egay Jr. congratulated the participants for accomplishing the group exercises as he believes that the outputs produced will help the provincial government in charting the remaining years of their administration.

Matugas thanked the DAP for its assistance and urged everyone to have a heart that gives life to the plan so that all the programs, projects, and activities set by the province will really materialize.

“We can solve the problems in the country if we have decisive leaders who will lead with honesty and integrity, set aside personal interests, leaders with a vision and purpose, leaders who have the discipline to get things done, leaders who will serve without seeking anything in return, and if we, as a people, as Filipinos – will have a change of heart,” Matugas said, sharing a part of an article by Sara Soliven De Guzman.

A total of 33 officials and staff of the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte participated in the workshop, including Governor Matugas, Egay, Board Member Mamerto D. Galanida, Board Member Constantino B. Navarro IV, Board Member Nathaniel A. Plaza, Board Member Edgar T. Andanar, Board Member Eddie D. Gokiangkee, Jr., Board Member Fernando T.Larong, Board Member Melva P. Garcia, Board Member Cayetano L. Recabo, and Board Member Ebro Joy B. Orquina.