In his first official interaction with the media as the chief executive of the province, newly installed Governor Niño Sotero L. Uy, Jr. shared his policy direction and initiatives for the province during a highly anticipated press conference held at the Tourism Complex in the City of Mati on Friday, July 28.

He discussed continuing the work of the late Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon’s administration, which aims to lead the province toward a prosperous future. Governor Uy addressed local media practitioners and outlined his plans for various areas, including agriculture, tourism, economic development, healthcare, and environmental conservation.

Here are the press conference highlights:

✅ Governor Uy has instructed the speedy preparation of the relaunch of Davao Oriental Beautiful. Davao Oriental tourism programs will continue.

✅ The administration of Gov. Uy is committed to providing support and empowerment to the units implementing health services. The Oplan Panglawas initiative will be continued.

✅ The provincial officials, led by Gov. Uy, along with the heads of the Nacionalista Party, have given their endorsement to Michelle Malanyaon Centeno, daughter of the late Governor Malanyaon, to assume the vacant position at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

✅ Governor Uy clarified that he did not terminate any employees. Rather, a memorandum was issued to emphasize that contracts will end on June 30 in accordance with the standard protocol, giving time for evaluation and assessment before contract renewal.

✅ Governor Uy has made it clear that he verbally appointed his brother, Tarragona Vice Mayor Nestor Uy, as the Deputy Governor. He believes that trust and confidence are vital in such appointments, and his brother’s experience as a three-term mayor makes him an invaluable advisor. It is important to note that the position of Deputy Governor does not come with any salary or additional compensation.

✅ Governor Uy has pledged to work closely with and support all Local Chief Executives in the implementation of all development programs.

✅ RENATIONALIZATION OF DOPMC: Governor Uy recently held a meeting with Senator Bong Go, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, who has given the green light to address this issue in the committee. However, the matter requires consultation with the Department of Health (DOH) for evaluation. Governor Uy is seeking the assistance of local government units (LGUs) to expedite the renationalization process.

✅Governor Uy has expressed support for the health sector by committing to hiring more doctors to address the shortage of medical professionals at the DOPMC. This will involve filling plantilla positions specifically designated for doctors.

✅ Governor Uy has no intention of replacing any of the department heads. He has pledged to carry on with the initiatives already initiated by the previous administration.

✅ Governor Uy said that both District Representatives, Congressman Cheeno Miguel Almario, and Congressman Nelson Dayanghirang, are fully supportive of the provincial government and his administration’s efforts to develop Davao Oriental.

✅ MATI CITY AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT: There are ongoing discussions and efforts being made to find additional funding sources for the airport’s operationalization. The National Government has provided tremendous support since they recognize its significance for the expansion of tourism in the region and disaster relief efforts. After being completed, Mati Airport will be seen as an excellent alternative to Davao International Airport.

✅ AGRICULTURE SUPPORT AND PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION: Being an agricultural province, Governor Uy will continue to give priority to the agricultural sector. Plans have been made for agricultural support and interventions to help farmer associations across the province. The provincial government will continue to support both farmers and fishermen with technical help, financial interventions, and other programs.

✅ Oplan Karsada will continue in support to the agricultural and tourism efforts.

✅ The provincial government will support agriculture students highly to encourage them to get more involved in farming and sustain the province’s agriculture industry.

✅ SUSTAINING PEACE GAINS: Under Governor Uy’s leadership, he will provide continuing support to residents in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS) and establish constant coordination and communication with security forces, national and local organizations, and communities for more substantial collaborative efforts in sustaining peace.

✅ RENEWABLE SOLAR FARM PROJECT: Ongoing studies and talks together with the investor for the realization of the Solar Power Plant to be established in Brgy. Maputi, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental is already in motion. The said initiative could increase the province’s power supply while lowering electricity cost.

✅ Governor Uy is setting up a Power Summit and will invite all stakeholders to come together and devise plans to tackle the power crisis.

✅ ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND MINING PRACTICES IN DAVAO ORIENTAL: Governor Uy will continue to strengthen environmental conservation and protection initiatives through the Environment and Natural Resources Office. He also wants strict enforcement of the regulation and implementation of environmental laws.

✅ GOVERNOR UY LEADERSHIP BRANDING: According to Governor Uy, his leadership style is one of selfless service only. He promotes branding that will support continuity long beyond the term he serves. If branding is essential, it must be developed through collaboration between provincial leaders in order to develop a long-lasting provincial government branding.

✅ SPORTS COMPLEX STATUS: The governor stated that he would need to study the project’s specifics, particularly its financial position.

✅ FLAGSHIP PROGRAMS OF HIS ADMINISTRATION: Aside from sustaining the social services, Governor Uy is keen on establishing Karamay Centers in various far-flung areas to complement the Social Services Unit in providing social support to Davao Oriental residents. He also expressed a desire to expand education assistance to deserving students.

✅ DORSU STUDENT ADMISSION: The Provincial Government has committed to helping non-admitted students to be able to pursue their tertiary education.

✅ SPORTS AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: Through the Local Youth Development Office, Governor Uy pledged that his administration would put in place a number of initiatives to support and help the youth. He has given permission to create a year-round, sustainable sports development program in collaboration with the Local Government Units and various partners.

✅ LOW COCONUT PRICE/COCONUT INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT: To boost farmers’ continuing revenue, Governor Uy encouraged intercropping. He is eager to get support to build a facility in the province to process coconut-value-added products in the province.

✅ SUPPORT TO HALAL INDUSTRY: Under his direction, he seeks to properly enforce the existing national and local ordinances to support the Halal Industry in the province.