January 28, 2010


Gov. Vilma Santos Recto, fresh from leading a medical mission to Batangas City’s Isla Verde last January 27, 2010, met with barangay captains of the province’s capital in an informal luncheon gathering at a local restaurant, where she emphasized her administration’s commitment to barangay development.

“As basic units of a community, we have always believed that barangays are crucial building blocks in improving people’s lives,” asserted Gov. Vilma Santos Recto, who was invited to the simple get-together by a host of barangay chairmen, led by Brgy. Balagtas captain Arthur Blanco.

Recounting her experience as a 3-term local chief executive of Lipa City, Santos Recto described the importance of ensuring that progress is felt and basic services are delivered at the barangay level.  She also underscored that barangays in Lipa then were doubly-blessed as Sen. Ralph Recto likewise focused a significant portion of his development fund to finance local projects.  If re-elected to the Senate, Santos Recto pronounced that this boon may be replicated across the province.

Blanco’s group, for their part, emphasized their faith and support for the governor, her HEARTS program and Sen. Recto. - Vince Altar