Treñas welcomes creation of super regions
City Mayor Jerry Treñas welcomes the plan of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to create super regions in the country as it will benefit not only the city but the entire Panay as well.
The creation of the mega regions in the country was one of the highlights in the President's State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday. The mega regions are the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, Metro Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines, Mindanao and Cyber Corridor.
Treñas is one of the local officials acknowledged by the President in her SONA for their contribution in improving the lives of their constituents. Treñas, who is president of the League of Cities in the Philippines (LCP), had defended and supported Mrs. Arroyo at the height of the "Hello Garci" controversy. He also supported the Charter Change.
Treñas believes that the creation of the super regions will spread out the developments in the country and provide necessary employment to Filipinos. He compared the possible profit in the distribution of economic developments as targeted by the President to China. There are cities and provinces in China that are not yet so progressive but they are being carried by areas which are already considered progressive and has economic boom.
He added that the super regions will benefit the city in terms of tourism industry. Iloilo City is the gateway for tourism in Boracay and the island-province of Guimaras. The city is also the center of trade and commerce in Panay Island.
Regional offices of government, numerous banks and big malls are situated in the city. Several commercial establishments and other business opportunities are also in the city.
The mayor added that he has already met with some governors in Panay and Guimaras for the tourism hype of the area. Each province has already decided to contribute P1 million for the tourism program.
Currently, Iloilo and Guimaras is working on a project to promote the tourism industry of the island and its products. They even allotted some funds for the construction of new terminal at the Coast Guard area as replacement for the present wharf in Ortiz.