Defensor eyes improvement of city's int'l seaport
House Majority Floor Leader Arthur Defensor highlighted the city's need to have an international seaport during the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Leaders Summit 2007 last Friday.
Defensor, who was a keynote speaker at the summit, said the international seaport could spur economic development in the city and neighboring towns.
The lawmaker said the existing Iloilo international seaport in Brgy. Loboc, La Paz is "not an international seaport in the real sense of the word." He noted that the Loboc port could only accommodate one vessel at a time.
Defensor vowed to help facilitate the construction of an international seaport in the city.
"There should be an efficient seaport to compliment the airport of international standard. The airport of international standard in Cabatuan is not enough to attract investors," Defensor stressed.
Defensor also said Iloilo City needs to resolve issues on adequate port facilities, power, water, deal with the pollution issues and means of transportation in the island-province of Guimaras before the member towns think of progress and development.
Defensor stressed there should be one clear idea as what the theme of the summit says. The theme of the summit is "The Power of One." Among the MIGEDC member towns are Iloilo, Sta. Barbara, Pavia, Leganes and San Miguel.
On the problem on lack of power, Defensor suggested that those opposing the coal-fired power plant as alternative source of energy for the city should make up their mind. "It is not the time to quarrel but the issue on the lack of power supply should be addressed," he said.
"There is no way that the city could attract investors if we have the most expensive power rate and unreliable power supply," Defensor said.