INTRODUCTION
When I visited the third district of Camarines Sur last Saturday (November 27th), I saw for myself its potential for accelerated economic growth. All it needed was a springboard for developmental action on a comprehensive and strategic scale.

Today, we respond to that need with my re-enactment of the signing of two bills into law: the Partido Development Administration (PDA) Act (RA 7820) which provides the mechanism for institutionalizing developmental efforts in the area, and the act establishing a vocational and technical school in Caramoan, Camarines Sur (RA 7828).
THE CARAMOAN VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SCHOOL
The people of Caramoan and its neighboring towns in Camarines Sur have long been clamoring for an institution that would equip them with the knowledge and skills required to improve their living conditions and to support Bicol’s bid for regional development.

With the establishment of the Caramoan Technical and Vocational School, the people in the area will now have access to educational opportunities that will enable them to exploit the resources around them wisely or gain employment in industries that are bound to rise once the expected effects of the Partido Development Administration are in place.

I have always believed that technical and vocational institutions should be established in rural areas where relevant courses meet the countryside’s development needs can be offered to those who cannot afford the high cost of acquiring education in the cities.

The Caramoan Technical and Vocational School, therefore, will build the necessary manpower capabilities that will augment the natural wealth and other potentials of Camarines sur into turning itself into a solid base of our industrialized economy.
THE PARTIDO DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
This vision comes closer to realization as we re-enact the signing of RA 7820 creating the Partido Development Administration.

Everyone must have heard of special development programs, growth corridors and growth centers that are now spread across our archipelago. These are all part of my administration’s integrated and coordinated approach to development.

It genuinely pleases us that the leaders of Congress share this vision and concern. Thus, it is to our mutual satisfaction that laws such as the one creating the Partido Development Administration are conceived to fill in a distinct development gap.

The Partido district in Camarines Sur consists of 10 municipalities practically severed from the province’s growth hub largely because of their location, topography and lack of infrastructure.

As a result, this district has hardly, if at all, benefited from the infrastructure and other projects built around the area. Service delivery has been intermittently weak and unorganized, while its low rural income has by and large stifled internal trade.

It is to the credit of Congressman Arnulfo Fuentebella and other leaders of Bicol that all these have come to the attention of the national government. Now, with this new piece of legislation, Partido is now assured of a reliable ally — the PDA — which shall see to it that the district shall no longer be inhibited by harsh physical conditions, but instead aided in utilizing its potentials to the hilt.

I believe that PDA will go on to strengthen itself enough to take direct and positive actions in order to eliminate gaps that stand in the way of development.

I urge our local government units, leaders of NGOs and people’s organizations, as well as the business community, to support the goals set by the PDA. I wish to assure you that the office of the president is committed in fully harnessing the resources which may be extended in support of the PDA.
CLOSING
In closing, I extend my congratulations to the following: first, the leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate who painstakingly put together these ground-breaking bills and put their imprimatur to their enactment.

I thank everyone else for being with us this morning, and wish you all a joyful Christmas.

Mabuhay ang Partido Development Administration!!!

Mabuhay ang Caramoan Vocational and Technical High School!!!

Mabuhay ang “Pilipinas 2000!!!”

Mabuhay tayong lahat!!!