Bicol to benefit from infrastructure, social services

PILI, Camarines Sur, Philippines — The government has given assurance that the Bicol region will benefit from the infrastructure and social services programs of the Duterte administration. 

“The government wants a faster flow of shipments and services in and out of Camarines Sur. The world-class transportation projects for your province and the Bicol region will continue under the Build, Build, Build program,” Bong Go said during the anniversary of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

Among the projects he cited was the long haul project of the Philippine National Railways (PNR), which will be fully implemented by 2023.

“The construction of the 639-kilometer long haul passenger freight rail from Manila to Batangas, Albay and Sorsogon is ongoing. This can serve 100,000 passengers daily, and will cut travel time from Manila to Bicol of 12 hours via car to just six hours. Partial operations will start by 2022,” he added.

Go also recognized the contribution of Camarines Sur and the Bicol region to the country’s economy, pointing out that the government’s infrastructure projects for the area should bring in more tourists.

“The transportation projects will surely encourage tourists to visit the watersports parks here and other local attractions throughout the province… The Department of Finance is working with Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB) to finance the 38-kilometer Pasacao-Balatan Tourism Coastal highway worth P4.74 billion,” he also said.

The special assistant also mentioned the inclusion of the Camarines Sur-Catanduanes Friendship Road in the Department of Finance’s shortlist of 12 major projects that would be funded by the AIIB.

He also promised to put up Malasakit Centers – a one-stop shop program of President Duterte to hasten the delivery of medical services and give poor patients access to free medicine – in Legazpi and Naga.

For Legazpi, the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) is currently being processed, while the one for Naga is still being studied.

Under the program, patients are assisted in availing themselves of the services and financial assistance provided by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Department of Health and Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Pooled together, the assistance can push the patient’s medical bill, including medicine, to the lowest possible amount. 

During the same visit, Go also commended the gallantry of the troopers from the Luzon and Mindanao-based units of the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) as he graced the 14th anniversary celebration of 9ID in Barangay San Jose in Pili, Camarines Sur. 

He led the wreath-laying ceremony and awarding of medals to the valiant soldiers of the Philippine Army before delivering his speech.

Go lauded the bravery and devotion of the soldiers in fulfilling their duty to protect and serve the Filipinos and the country and encouraged them to continue their support for Duterte’s three-point campaign against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.