COMPREHENSIVE. Ilonggos praise President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for delivering a comprehensive State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday (July 22, 2024). Local government officials said Marcos exceeded their expectations. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
ILOILO CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received high approval from officials of this highly urbanized city for his comprehensive report on the country’s affairs.
“As evidenced by the highlighted achievements of his administration, our President has indeed been doing very well over the past two years, showcasing his effective leadership and his commitment to excellence,” Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, who watched President Marcos delivered his third State of the National Address (SONA), from his city hall office.
Treñas said the President is clearly on the right path, with his priorities set on crucial projects and programs in sectors such as agriculture, education, health, and agrarian reform, benefitting marginal sectors and essential for the progress and development of the country.
He also thanked the president for his continued support for projects that directly benefit the Ilonggos, such as the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project (JRMP) II.
“This project not only generates economic activity in Iloilo but also boosts rice production, leading to significant economic returns for Western Visayas,” he added.
The mayor was pleased that Marcos acknowledged the completion of the Cebu-Negros-Panay backbone project.
“It serves as a vital solution to the longstanding issue of frequent blackouts in Panay and Negros. This infrastructure development is crucial for enhancing the region's energy stability,” he said.
The mayor praised the President for his strong stand on upholding the country’s sovereign rights on the West Philippine Sea and against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.
“These actions reflect his dedication to safeguarding our national interests and protecting our citizens,” he added.
Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda said the rockstar reception, applause, and standing ovations the President received mean “he has exceeded our expectations as Chief Executive.”
“We appreciate that he highlighted that the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao electricity grids are now interconnected, and his call to revisit the EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act) deserves our strong support, as this law has been pinpointed to cause of many of our energy issues,” she said.
She added that along with the Ilonggos, she is excited for the full realization of the JRMP that put the spotlight on irrigation, hydropower and tourism.
In the meantime, Iloilo province is already gearing up to offer experiential tourism, which President Marcos mentioned in his SONA.
Gilbert Marin, head of the Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office, said one of the big projects under the “Movement for a Robust, Progressive and Globally Competitive and Resilient Province of Iloilo” (MorProGRess Iloilo) is the Turista sa Barangay (community tourists) where they promote homestays.
They already trained in Gigantes Island in Carles last year and will soon assess a prospect in the town of Concepcion within the third quarter.
“We always make sure our programs are aligned with the national tourism development plan. It’s the same program of the Department of Tourism,” he said. (PNA)
