Aussie allots P1.2B for MIGEDC projects
The Australian Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed to release P1.2 billion or 30 million Australian dollars to the Metro-Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC).
Mayor Jerry Treñas said the P1.2 billion will represent the Phase 2 of AusAID assistance to the MIGEDC. The AusAID has already released 2 million Australian dollars for the Phase 1 of the then Metro Iloilo Development Council (MIDC) project. The project covers technical assistance from the Australian government.
The MIDC was changed to MIGEDC upon the inclusion of the town of Sta. Barbara as per the instruction of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The MIDC is an alliance of the neighboring towns of the city such as Oton, Pavia, San Miguel and Leganes.
Treñas said the MIGEDC will serve as a venue for a comprehensive joint planning for economic, tourism, infrastructure, peace and order, traffic, social services and environment.
The new international airport will boost the local economy. He said the President wants the development from the town of Sta. Barbara to reach until the island-province of Guimaras, he said.
The President's vision of development is form part of her plans for the creation of super regions. A circumferential road will be constructed under the medium term development to distinguish the economic boom of the area.