Arroyo visits priority projects in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday embarked on another sentimental journey by revisiting one of her priority projects in Cebu during her presidency.

Arroyo was accompanied by First District Rep. Gerald Anthony Gullas and his grandfather Talisay City Mayor Eduardo Gullas in inspecting the 34-kilometer Cebu South Road and the two bridges in the City of Naga.

The former president said she wanted to check on the status of her priority projects to see how she can help improve its condition before she steps down as speaker of the House of Representatives on June 30.

 The CSR, which traverses from Naga City to Santander, was one of the biggest infrastructure projects she built during her incumbency as president. It costs at least P1.4 billion.

The project was part of her administration’s long term goal of achieving a seamless, efficient and cheaper means of transporting people and goods through the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH).

During her presidency, Arroyo poured in big ticket projects in Cebu to show her gratitude for the landslide victory the province gave her in 2004. Cebu gave her over one million majority against her closest rival Fernando Poe, Jr.

Arroyo also took the opportunity to thank 12 Cebuano businessmen who donated P1.1 million for the earthquake victims in Pampanga. Arroyo said the money will be spent to construct 1,000 homes for the earthquake victims in her hometown. Pampanga was struck by magnitude 7.4 quake last month.

"I am thankful for their donation para sa mga residents ng Pampanga. Siguro with that amount, makakatayo na tayo ng at least 1,000 houses," Arroyo further said. — FPL (FREEMAN)