Guimaras Banks on Youth to Shape Province’s Future

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

As Guimaras celebrated its 33rd founding anniversary, Gov. JC Rahman Nava emphasized the island’s growing focus on its youth as key to a progressive and inclusive future.

Nava said more than half of the island’s population is under 29, prompting the provincial government to prioritize youth development.

“We can build a better Guimaras through collaboration and a shared vision for our youth,” he said during the provincehood celebration on May 22.

He added that creating opportunities for the youth will shape the province’s future.

One of the recent initiatives is the creation of the Provincial Training and Enterprise Development Office, enacted through legislation by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Nava said the office will offer skills training and livelihood programs, especially for young people entering the workforce.

He also stressed that securing opportunities for families is essential to ensuring a brighter future for the youth.

“To guarantee the future of our youth, we must secure each family in Guimaras,” he said.

As part of the province’s economic development efforts, Nava announced the creation of a new provincial tourism office, expected to be fully operational within three years.

The office was established alongside the passage of the Guimaras Tourism Code to harness tourism as an economic driver.

“Through the tourism code, we recognize the industry’s potential to spur provincial development,” he said.

Infrastructure and healthcare improvements are also part of the administration’s priorities.

Nava said upgrades to the provincial capitol grounds are set to be completed in two years.

Meanwhile, the Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Provincial Hospital has seen a sharp rise in patient visits—from more than 43,000 in 2022 to 80,000 in 2024—and an increase in surgeries from 658 to 1,700.

To sustain growth, the province plans to expand support for farmers and fisherfolk by lowering input costs, boosting aquaculture, and increasing corn production with a 500-hectare target.

“I hope our cooperation continues for a brighter future for Guimaras,” Nava said.