by Andrew Doga-ong

BONTOC, Mt. Province (22 February) -- Governor Maximo Dalog rallied the barangay officials here to give their full support to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) amid renewed calls for the President to resign in the wake of alleged corruption in the government.

Dalog made the call during the two-day separate orientation and consultation of barangay officials from the 144 barangays of the province held at the Ridge Brooke Hotel and Restaurant on February 20 and 21.

Explaining his call for support, Dalog said it is only the incumbent President that showed concern and sensitivity to the needs of the people of Mountain Province.

Dalog, who also chaired the Regional Development Council, cited the about P3 Billion poured by the current administration for the improvement of major roads leading to Mt. Province. He said, although there is a little problem in its implementation, the crucial concreting of the Mount Data – Bontoc and the Bontoc – Banaue national road of the Halsema Highway, the Bontoc - Tabuk road, all flagship projects of the President in the Cordilleras and the Sabangan – Cervantes road will immensely usher in the development of the people and the communities.

Dalog also mentioned the various hunger mitigation programs the province received from the present administration.

It is only this administration that we experience better economic growth and the value of the peso against the dollar is getting stronger, Dalog stressed.

The Provincial Chief Executive believes that PGMA is the number one tourism promoter saying the frequent visit of the President to Mt. Province perked up tourism industry of the province.

Earlier, the League of Provinces/Governors of the Philippines through a manifesto expressed their unwavering and wholehearted support to the President while members of the Cabinet took a "solidarity walk" with the President to also show their solidarity and unwavering support to her and the present administration.