PNoy reiterates support for agri, tourism in Pangasinan
LINGAYEN—Barely a month since his last visit, President Benigno S. Aquino III returned to reiterate his vow to channel more funds to help Pangasinan, particularly in the development of the agriculture and tourism sectors.
“Para sa agrikultura: nakumpleto na natin ang Macidem Small Reservoir Irrigation Project. May labindalawang proyektong pang-irigasyon din ang napapakinabangan na ngayon ng mahigit isanlibo’t limandaang magsasaka sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng inyong probinsya, at may lima pa tayong pinapagawa,” Aquino said in his speech during a meeting with local leaders and the community at the Lingayen 1 Central School in Barangay Maniboc here on Thursday.
“Para sa turismo, nariyan ang Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway Project. Iko-konekta nito ang mga nasabing probinsya, at pabibilisin ang biyahe ng tinatayang labintatlong libong motorista kada araw, oras na matapos ang Section 1 ng proyektong mula Tarlac City hanggang Rosales, Pangasinan,” he added.
Before the meeting, the President led the inauguration of the Lingayen-Binmaley by-pass road where he also enumerated other infrastructure projects.
MATUWID NA DAAN
Aquino again spoke on his campaign for the “matuwid na daan” and rallied the people to vote for candidates who will help his administration in pushing for programs and initiatives that will improve their lives.
“Siyempre, ang pakiusap ko sa inyo: bigyan naman ninyo ako ng mga kakamping kabilang sa tuwid na daan, at hindi ng mga nagpapanggap lang, o talagang tahasang kumokontra sa ating krusada,” he said.
The President again endorsed the candidacies of Fourth District Rep. Gina de Venecia who is seeking re-election, and Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez who is running for mayor of Dagupan.
Other candidates endorsed by the President were: Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza for governor; Arturo Lomibao for vice governor; Leonido Pulido for congressman of the 1st District; Kim Lokin, congressman of the 2nd District; Rosemary Baby Arenas, congressman of the 3rd District; Leian Braganza for mayor of Alaminos City; and Doiuglas Soriano, mayor of San Carlos City.
NOT WELCOME
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr. lamented that he and 20 mayors were among the hundreds of Pangasinenses who were not allowed to go near and welcome the President upon his arrival at the airport terminal.
“The police told me ‘bawal daw’,” said Calimlim.
Calimlim, settling to stay over at the area of people holding streamers, narrated how the security detail practically covered their welcome streamers and make it appear that they were protesters.
“I wonder why, they did it ” remarked Calimlim adding, “All we wanted was to show our warm welcome to the President.”
He also said that even other members of the provincial government, including Governor Amado Espino Jr., Board Members Ranjit Shahani and Von Mendoza, Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil as well as former Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani and Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) Chairman Mark Cojuangco “had to force their way in”.
Calimlim was quick to point out that despite what happened, “we are still in support of the President. Perhaps after elections, we will have the chance to welcome him personally.”—with report from Johanne R. Macob
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