Eight months into her term, Governor Sol Aragones has already made significant strides in addressing pressing challenges in Laguna, including overseas concerns and workforce reforms.
Speaking via Zoom during a guesting on Bilyonaryo News Channel, Aragones emphasized the province’s proactive approach to crisis management, particularly for residents affected by global incidents, including situations in the Middle East, and the implementation of the new 4-day work week.
“Importante na handa ang provincial crisis management team sa anumang sitwasyon.”
“Kabilang sa mga priority namin ang pagharap sa bagong 4-day work week system at ang pag-assist sa mga kababayan natin na naapektuhan sa Middle East. Importante na handa ang provincial crisis management team sa anumang sitwasyon,” the lady governor said.
She stressed that a large portion of the provincial budget is dedicated to ensuring these programs are efficiently implemented.
“Ang malaking porsyento ng budget ng Laguna ilalaan natin sa health system. Dapat walang masyadong requirements kasi feeling namin mahirap na ‘yun at ‘wag na nating pahirapan pa,” Aragones added.
In addition to crisis management, she is prioritizing healthcare services across Laguna.
Highlighting gaps in the public hospital system, Aragones said, “May kakulangan kasi sa mga pampublikong ospital ng lalawigan ng Laguna. Ang pangako ko sa mga kababayan ko kapag nanalo ako, yung 24 municipalities and six cities ng Laguna lalagyan namin ng libreng maintenance na gamot.”
She emphasized her hands-on approach, frequently visiting hospitals to assess needs and supervise service delivery.
“Mas madalas doon ako mag-opisina sa mga pampublikong ospital. Importante makita ko kung anong kulang at paano pupunuan. Hindi ako kakampi lang ng mga pasyente pati rin na mga health workers sa ospital,” Aragones explained.
“Sosolusyonan na natin, dagdagan ng mga doktor, dagdagan ng mga nurse sa ospital para magkaroon ng maayos na relasyon ang mga doktor, ang mga nurse at ang mga pasyente,” she added.
Aragones is also expanding access to education and social services.
“Subukan natin bigyan natin ng isang taon ng ang mga ito ng chance ng scholarship makapag-aral. Itutuloy namin yung advocacy ng Akay sa ating mga PWD at solo parents. Tapos yung imminimize din yung mga requirements sa mga tao para mas mabilis yung pagtulong sa mga tao,” she said, highlighting the importance of streamlining assistance to benefit all residents efficiently.
Eight months into her term, Aragones’ focus on crisis management, healthcare, education, and social services, along with the creation of the Provincial Crisis Management Team, reflects a province actively working to meet the needs of its citizens while building sustainable systems for the future.
Looking ahead, she stressed that her administration is committed to not just immediate solutions, but long-term impact.
“Ang gusto namin, hindi lang pansamantala, kundi tunay na pagbabago sa Laguna.”
“Ang gusto namin, hindi lang pansamantala, kundi tunay na pagbabago sa Laguna. Sa bawat ospital, bawat paaralan, bawat barangay, naroon kami para siguraduhing may resulta ang bawat programa,” Aragones said.
“Laguna is not just surviving, we are building a province that works for every resident,” she said.
With this vision, the province is set on a path of resilient governance, responsive healthcare, and inclusive programs that prioritize the well-being of all Lagunenses.
