In an interview over
Radyo ng Bayan DYOG by Jennifer Allegado, Sarmiento said that he
believes the move will spell an economic improvement not only in the
first district but even in the whole Samar province.
As Sarmiento always
claims in his speeches, he said that it is sad to note that despite
Samar’s being the third largest island in the
Philippines,
it remains poor.
The provincial seat of
government is located in Catbalogan, the second district of Samar and
is 87 kilometers away from Calbayog.
First District folks
in the past claim, that the provincial government is not keeping an
eye on them and that they have long been neglected.
Sarmiento cited small
provinces like Southern Leyte and Siquijor that have flourished.
Because of size, a smaller area is easily managed by its leaders, the
official noted.
Somehow, the
initiative of his predecessor Uy will be rehashed by successor
Sarmiento. Some mayors in the first district then expressed their
interest in Uy’s sponsored bill. However, as the 14th congress folded
up, the move was not realized. (PIA-Samar with
report from DYOG)
