Bets eye more infrastructure in 7th district

CEBU, Philippines - More infrastructure development in the newly-created seventh congressional district of Cebu is what the two aspirants vying to represent the district in the House of Representatives have promised to implement.

Former third district congressman Pablo John “PJ” Garcia said he would be pushing for an increase in funding for roads, bridges, water systems, and rural electrification.

“We have to take into consideration the infrastructure (projects) nga mosuporta sa tourism sector kay dako’g potential diha sa seventh district,” he told reporters after filing his certificate of candidacy at the Comelec provincial office yesterday.

Garcia attached to his COC his legislative agenda which also include education, health, tax reform, agriculture and food production, culture and arts, peace and order, and sports.

Specifically for education, he wants to provide a free public WIFI zone in each municipality and promote internet connectivity in public schools.

He will also be pushing for more access to free college education to underprivileged but deserving students, and increase support to state colleges and universities.

“Since bag-o ni nga distrito, makahibawo ang mga tawo unsa ilang mapaabot kung pilion nila si Pablo John Garcia,” he said.

As to the health, Garcia vowed to promote free pre-natal health care for mothers and the unborn through a system of monitoring and incentives. He said he would improve access to free quality medical assistance and increase support for the modernization of government-run hospitals.

In a separate interview, Board Member Peter John Calderon, who will be running against Garcia, told reporters that he would continue the projects started by second district Representative Wilfredo Caminero such as road improvement in mountain areas. He believes that infrastructure projects would spur economic activity in the district.

“I believe ang mga tawo didto sa kabukiran maoy nanginahanglan kaayo og serbisyo sa gobyerno. If we will provide the infrastructure mas sayon na  tingale ilang produkto maabot sa mga lungsod. That will generate economic activity sa entire town,” he said.

During his incumbency as member of the legislative body, Calderon has authored legislations relating to health, including a hospital modernization ordinance and a medicine consignment system of the province. He currently sits as chairman on health and is serving his last term as member of the PB.

The newly-created seventh legislative district is composed of the municipalities of Dumanjug, Ronda, Alcantara, Moalboal, Badian, Alegria, Malabuyoc and Ginatilan.   (FREEMAN)