PGMA works in WV unmatched, says Banias
Put together the efforts of all past presidents of the country, Western Visayas is reaping the most in terms of presidential assistance and projects under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA).
Such was the official report made by Assistant Secretary Raul Banias, Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas in time for yesterday’s State Of Nation Addres (SONA) of PGMA.
In fact, Banias added, the region’s local officials can attest to said accomplishment pointing out the major infrastructure works brought here.
The Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a news wire reported some P500-M worth of farm-to-market
roads in Western Visayas provinces that are in “full swing.”
“People residing in far-flung areas of Western Visayas will soon find it easier to travel and earn more from their harvest once farm-to-market roads (FMRs) are in place.
Department of Agriculture (DA) regional executive director for Western Visayas Larry Nacionales said their agency has released about P500–million from their department budget this year for the establishment of FMRs.
Nacionales said the region has received around P234-million for the construction of FMRs which will be implemented in partnership with local government units (LGUs),” the PNA news release went. “On the other hand, Public Works and Highways regional director Rolando Asis confirmed that DA transferred some P300 million fund for FMRs.
He said the projects are scattered in the region and will be completed within the year.
Once these projects are completed, Asis said, farmers will find it easier to bring their goods to the market.
At the same time, they will have access of government services that are in the municipalities.”
Next to infrastructure, education followed suit said Assistant Secretary Banias though he admitted that the targeted goal here has yet to be realized.
Administration’s programs geared towards poverty alleviation is also one significant gain of the region, he continued, particularly on the PGMA pet projects Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) Program and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Yet there are setbacks felt nationwide, Assistant Secretary Banias acknowledged saying population growth remains the culprit.
Meantime, PGMA is expected in Iloilo today to check on the status of government rehabilitation efforts following the devastation brought by last year’s Typhoon Frank.