I was a little bit querulous when news broke out of the withdrawal of the pork barrel of the congressmen on account of the alleged malfeasance of government funds. Because of the anomalous transaction as revealed by the whistleblower I have the presentiment that PDAF will be abolished because it has deviated his crusade to follow "daang matuwid".
Before the PDAF will die a natural death let me give you my vivid account how the PDAF of Cong. Benhur Salimbangon was scrupulously dispensed. During his first stint as congressman he conducted consultative meeting with barangay officials to gather some issues and concerns that pose a potential problem in their respective barangays.
Among the proposals that surfaced were regarding education, infrastructure projects, health problems and the last in unemployment. To show that he is responsive to their woes he envisioned an impressive community college, well-paved roads and concrete bridges, health cards to be provided to his constituents and converting the fourth district into an economic zone.
Since these projects need gargantuan budget, his PDAF played a very important role to bankroll these projects to translate his vision to reality. And now an imposing community college stands in Medellin and in Daanbantayan which offers propinquity to students who wish to pursue their field of endeavor.
As to infrastructure projects, one can witness the long stretches of well-paved roads and concrete bridges glistening under the cerulean sky. Travelers are filled with awe and wonder for the exhilarating ride. What compliment these and what is more inspiring is that he donated a multicab to barangay officials who are receptive to his offer to cope with the demands of emergency situations.
Another concern of the congressman is the health condition of the people. It is a lamentable fact that many had succumbed to death without the benefit of seeing the doctor. So he provided his constituents with Benhur Health Card. By the time they will be hospitalized they are entitled to P20,000 earmarked for hospitalization expenses. There is also P3,000 for burial expenses when one is called to join his creator in heaven.
As part of his holistic approach to unemployment, he opened a good shipping port in Daanbantayan. Its strategic location is inviting seafarers coming from far and wide to drop anchor at this port because it offers a direct route and reduces travel time. In other words cargo will flow continuously from one island to another so stevedoring businesses will flourish.
His last audacious move is to convert the fourth district into an economic zone, thereby inviting foreign investors to engage in business ventures here so there will be a hub of activities to imagine. In doing so job opportunities welcome everyone until he finds a place under the sun.
Lastly, this is not to aggrandize the accomplishment of Cong. Benhur Salimbangon with the help of his PDAF. It is his mission and solemn vow to serve the best interest of his constituents unlike his predecessor who has no admirable accomplishment we can be proud of. All that surrounds are but symbols of sorrow and unsung songs.