New Eastern Samar governor lays out reform agenda

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — Newly inaugurated Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone on Monday unveiled a bold and reform-oriented agenda for Eastern Samar, promising to modernize agriculture, improve healthcare, and bring government services closer to the people.

In his first address as governor, the young provincial chief executive—son of outgoing Governor Ben Evardone—vowed continuity in leadership with a renewed focus on results-driven programs.

“Today marks a new beginning,” he said in the local dialect. “Our people will always come first.”

Among his top priorities is the rollout of the “Kapitolyo sa Barangay” program, which aims to decentralize public service delivery by establishing a provincial government presence in every barangay. Through this initiative, residents will be able to directly access essential services such as educational, medical, and burial assistance without needing to travel far.

To address digital inequality, the governor announced the deployment of Starlink satellite units in remote communities, ensuring reliable internet access even in far-flung areas. “We want to connect every barangay not just through roads, but through digital bridges,” he said.

On healthcare, he committed to expanding provincial medical infrastructure.

Two new dialysis centers are expected to open this year in Balangiga and Oras, while a new hospital will rise in Guiuan. A modern building is also in the pipeline for the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital. He also announced the launch of medical scholarships at ESSU (Eastern Samar State University), with graduates expected to serve the province.

In agriculture, he plans to distribute fertilizers and farming equipment while promoting modern techniques to boost productivity and food security.

“We will lift our farmers and fisherfolk from poverty through innovation and support,” he said.

Youth and education will also take center stage. The governor pledged to expand financial aid for students and construct dormitories for those coming from distant municipalities.

To ensure transparency and accountability, he vowed to open budgets and contracts to public scrutiny, improve the welfare of job order employees, and implement retroactive salary increases for provincial workers starting January 2025.

While acknowledging the challenges ahead — including poverty, climate change, and national economic headwinds — he said Eastern Samar must remain united in facing them. “This journey is not mine alone — it is ours,” he declared. “Together, we will build a future where no one is left behind.”