Noy: No empty promises in straight path

PILI, Camarines Sur, Philippines – President Aquino yesterday defended the track record of his administration, saying daang matuwid (straight path) has made no empty promises.

The President also said the achievements of his government would boost the administration candidates’ chances of winning in the elections.

It was the turn of the Liberal Party-led Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid to campaign in the home province of its vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo.

The LP also had sorties in Iriga City where former justice secretary Leila de Lima, one of the coalition’s senatorial candidates, hails from. On Tuesday, the coalition campaigned in Capiz and Iloilo, Roxas’ bailiwicks.

Aquino said candidates would be like suitors wooing the people’s votes, but he urged the people to pick those who would continue accomplishing things for them rather than those who were just making promises.

Reiterating that good governance is good economics, Aquino sought support for Roxas, Robredo and the rest of the coalition. 

“They did not just make promises. They already sacrificed and worked for the sake of the majority,” Aquino said.

The President said he has also been true to his word in his more than five years in office to establish a strong foundation for inclusive growth.

Aquino said for this province, the Department of Public Works and Highways had allotted P15.96 billion for infrastructure projects from 2011 up to 2016. This is more than triple the funds it received from 2005 to 2010 amounting to just P4.73 billion.

The President also cited the ongoing and completed projects in the province, like the Sabang Fishport Development Project in Calabanga that would immediately provide benefits to 80,000 people.

Robredo and Mayor Alex San Luis II thanked Aquino for the widened Pili Diversion Road and other projects in their province. The road widening benefits almost 6,000 motorists daily, improving traffic.

The Diversion Road serves as an alternate route for motorists coming from Albay going to Pili and Naga City and those from 10 towns of the fourth congressional district. The P66.32-million project involves the widening of a 3.94-kilometer road section from two to four lanes. It started in March 2014 and was completed in January. 

Roxas: Bukid revolution

Roxas on Wednesday said he would launch the Daang Matuwid Bukid Revolution if elected president to maximize the potentials of the agriculture and fisheries sectors for inclusive growth.

He said three elements would ensure the success of the agricultural revolution that is aimed at boosting farmers’ productivity and profit.

First, the government would provide low-interest loans to poor farmers and fishermen so that their earnings will not go to huge interest payments and amortizations.

Second, farm-to-market roads, bridges and other infrastructure would be constructed or repaired, so that the farm produce could reach the market on time and still fresh.

Third, post-harvest facilities like dryers and chillers would be put up to keep the good quality of produce and ensure its competitiveness.

“That is our bukid revolution, which would lead to improved earnings for our small farmers and fishermen. As I’ve been saying, no one should be left behind in our march to a brighter future,” Roxas said in Filipino.

The agriculture sector received P85.63 billion allotment for Agricultural Development Program in 2015.

Roxas noted many people, particularly those who live in poor provinces, largely depend on farming and fishery for livelihood.

“That is why we need to strengthen all development projects that this government has started and promote inclusive growth by maximizing the country’s agri-business potentials,” he added.

Robredo: Welfare of women, children

Meanwhile, Robredo said yesterday the welfare and rights of women and children should always be among the top priorities of the next administration.

She noted that until now, Filipino women and children remain the most vulnerable and at risk to abuse and other forms of human rights violations as well as illnesses and lack of opportunities for education and employment.        

Robredo, a lawyer, said she has been working pro-bono for the promotion women’s rights, protection of children as well as livelihood programs for the poor long before she entered government service.   – With Paolo Romero