True to his word, Ilocos Norte Gov. Michael Keon started pushing his “own style” of governance at the Capitol by dropping a department that his cousin and predecessor Rep. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. had created. Keon, who held his press briefing on July 18 for the first time after assuming office, announced that he had abolished the community affairs office (CAO), which his cousin organized during his first term as governor in 1998. He said the decision to get rid of the office is known to his cousin whom he consulted for three days before Marcos officially left the Capitol. “To those who are attempting to sow intrigue [what I’m doing is understood by my cousin]. He is aware that I have my own style of leadership,” he said, adding, “He said to me at the time that he came here and we consulted for three days, ‘Michael it’s all up to you. You do what you think and see what’s fit for your style and leadership.’ So he knows what I’m doing.” The office was created in 1998 to help implement Marcos’ various programs intended for community development around Ilocos Norte. The functions of the office had been transferred to the Provincial Planning and Development Office. Keon said the office was well utilized during Marcos’ nine-year term and had benefited him as well during the last elections. “But people should understand that I have my own style and I do things my way,” he added. He said he plans to go directly to the villages and listen to their sentiments instead of sending capitol representatives. Keon said more changes would be expected in the coming days that are meant to improve the sectors in agriculture, health and education. The former Gintong Alay director during the Marcos regime said he would make himself available at the capitol where ordinary citizens would not have to go through channels to reach his office. Other changes made by Keon include the appointment of a new provincial administrator, provincial tourism officer and at least three executive assistants that would work with him closely in administering the provincial government’s various programs and projects. Appointed as acting provincial administrator is Engr. Gervacio Velasco, Keon’s right hand man at the Ilocos Norte Sports Development Council (INSDC). “As of now, he [Velasco] is my best choice because I know his working style,” Keon said. Velasco has been working with Keon at the INSDC for three years now. Named new provincial tourism officer is Rene Guatlo, who replaces Lito R. Gorospe, who would now concentrate on his being media consultant and official spokesperson. The three executive assistants are Gertrudes Ruiz, Shermon Cruz and Efren Saguiguit. Ruiz is a former vice president for student affairs of the Divine Word College of Laoag; while Cruz served as administrative planning officer of the Corporate Planning Office of the Northwestern University, associate dean of NWU’s College of Arts and Sciences and department chair of the Political and Social Sciences Department. More changes are expected at the Capitol but Keon said he would still have to consider many things. “I am taking many factors into consideration. There might be more appointments and changes in the future but that remains to be seen as I continue to study everything so I could then act accordingly,” Keon said. Keon’s first press briefing as governor was also attended by all department heads of the provincial government as he explained, “It’s my way of letting them know my own style and I do hope that you will become all familiar with my style.” Leilanie G. Adriano and Cristina Arzadon
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