LIMAY, Bataan — With its widening roads, unmatched economic development, influx of fresh investments worth billions of pesos, prevailing peace and order, and various economic programs aimed at improving the lives of Bataeños, “Bataan is incomparable.”

This was the observation of District Collector Atty. Kriden Balgomera of the Port of Limay, who said, “These economic developments are attributed to the competent leadership of Governor Joet Garcia and three-term governor, now Congressman Abet Garcia (2nd district-Bataan).” “I have been to various provinces and cities throughout the country, but you can see the economic development of Bataan, which is incomparable and really impressive; Bataeños are lucky to have this kind of able leadership (referring to the Garcias),” pointed out Collector Balgomera.

Balgomera said that Bataan is ahead of other local government units in terms of economic progress and infrastructure because the Garcias deliver, address the basic needs of the people, and focus on education.

Rep. Gila S. Garcia of the 3rd district and Mayor Francis S. Garcia of the component city of Balanga have also contributed to the development of the city and Bataan’s 3rd district.

Trained by their parents in serving the public, the Garcias are siblings of the late governor and congressman Tet Garcia and businesswoman Vicky Sandejas Garcia.

In Hermosa town, under Mayor Jopet Inton, this northern town is becoming the next economic hub in the province, with high-rise buildings, commercial establishments, food chains, and the construction of farm-to-market roads sprouting like mushrooms, among others.

With his laudable leadership style and a history of never being defeated in politics, Mayor Inton is now in his ninth year as mayor and his final term. He will be succeeded by his wife, lawyer Anne Inton, who ran unopposed in the local elections.

In a related development, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally awarded Bataan the prestigious “Galing Pook Award” at Malacañang to Governor Joet S. Garcia.

Gov. Garcia received the Galing Pook Award from the president himself in Malacañang on 25 October.

According to Governor Garcia, out of 147 selected programs and projects submitted by various local government units throughout the country for the Galing Pook Awards 2024 competition, Bataan was chosen as one of the Top Ten Outstanding Local Governance Programs due to its “Bahay Wika” program.

“Iginawad ang pagkilalang ito ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos kasama sina Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla at Galing Pook Foundation Chairperson Mel Sarmiento noong ika-25 ng Oktubre sa Malacañang,” posted the Bataan governor on his social media account.

“Makaaasa po ang lahat na hindi sa parangal na ito matatapos ang pagsusulong natin sa karapatan ng mga kapatid nating katutubo, partikular na ang mga Ayta Magbukun, dahil patuloy nating pasisiglahin ang kanilang wika at kultura, dahil sila po ay malaking bahagi ng pagkakakilanlan natin bilang mga Bataeño,” he added.