New Aklan legislative district OK'd

MANILA, Philippines -  The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure creating a new legislative district in Aklan.

Rep. Florencio Miraflores of the lone district of Aklan and principal author of House Bill 3860, said the creation of a separate congressional district in the province will enhance economic growth and flow of resources from the national government to the province.

“The establishment of a new congressional district will address the (challenges caused by the) growing population in Aklan,” Miraflores said.

He said Aklan has been transformed from a fifth-class province to first-class province since its separation from the province of Capiz 54 years ago.

“With international flights now being facilitated by the Kalibo International Airport and the ongoing development of the Caticlan airport and jetty ports, the growth of the province is ascertained. It has a booming tourism industry and a growing agro-marine economy. The province is poised to reach double-digit growth in the coming years,” he said.

“With 17 towns competing for limited resources, it is now imperative that a new congressional district be established to address the under representation of the people of Aklan,” Miraflores said.

Each congressional district in the country is entitled to a P70-million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for infrastructure projects.

If enacted into law, the new congressional district of Aklan will include the municipalities of Altavas, Balete, Banga, Batan, Kalibo, New Washington, Libacao, and Madalag.

The other district is composed of the municipalities of Buruanga, Ibajay, Lezo, Makato, Malay, Malinao, Nabas, Numancia and Tangalan.