Batangueños have disputed reports and criticisms that Gov. Vilma Santos Recto is treating her position as governor of the province “only as a sideline job” and that she reports for work at the Provincial Capitol only once a week.

Recto’s critics are also saying that she has failed to address the needs of her constituents flocking to her office.

“Her record bespeaks of her achievements as a kind of administrator who delivers honest, sincere, and true public service which brought honors, to the people of Batangas and to the whole province,” said veteran barangay alderman Meliton Mercado of San Nicolas town.

Governor Vi’s blueprint for Batangas dubbed as “HEARTS” – health, education, employment, environment, agriculture, roads, tourism and shelter and security – is the main agenda she envisioned to sincerely deliver basic services to her constituents.

Under the program, several district hospitals throughout the province were rehabilitated including the upgrading of medical facilities, distribution of nine ambulances, etc.

The governor’s office reported that more than 100,000 Philhealth cards have been distributed to poor residents to help in their health care needs including hospitalization. Students now enjoy the use of 94 newly built classrooms and 25 newly renovated school buildings established in 10 towns.

In agriculture, P12 million worth of livestock were distributed to 140 beneficiaries. Another milestone is the significant growth of the local poultry industry which makes Batangas the main supplier of 70 percent of the fresh eggs requirement of Metro Manila. (BJM)