No one opposed the election of Davao del Norte Governor Anthony G. del Rosario as the new chairman of the Davao Integrated Development Program (DIDP).

At the special meeting of the DIDP last August 16, 2016, Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon and Panabo City Mayor James Gamao both nominated Governor AGR for the position, which was seconded by Digos City Mayor Joseph Peñas.

Gov. del Rosario, who is fondly called AGR, wholeheartedly accepted the challenge.

Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy was also elected as the Vice-Chairman, while Executive Director Atty. Wendel Avisado remained as the Executive Director of DIDP.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol graced the meeting at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City.

The outcome of the re-organization was considered a passing of the torch from the first to the second generation of the current DIDP leadership.

It can be recalled that the immediate past chair and vice-chair of the DIDP were former Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, the father of Gov. AGR, and former Gov. Arturo Uy, father of Gov Tyron Uy, respectively.

During the meeting, Piñol took note that the budget intended for the DIDP was not included in the budget of the Department of Agriculture for 2016 and even for 2017.

This prompted the members of the DIDP Board to ask President Rodrigo R. Duterte to give due consideration.

Established in July 15, 1994, DIDP is the only existing local government-initiated economic cooperation in the country that serves as a mechanism for resource-sharing in the agriculture sector.

Cities and provinces in the Davao Region equitably share the project funds earmarked for delivery of more social services, protection of the environment, and building vital public infrastructures.

“Tungod kini sa relihiyosong paghatag sa kontribusyon sa mga miembrong LGUs sulod sa 22 na ka tuig (This was made possible because of the religious contribution of the member LGUs during the program’s 22 years of existence),” Avisado said. (pioDavNor)