Sen. Aquino is Siquijor town's "adopted son"

SIQUIJOR, SIQUIJOR, Philippines — On its 41st year as the capital town of the province, Siquijor honored Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV as "the adopted son."

Aquino visited Siquijor as keynote speaker during the grand opening of the weeklong celebration Araw ng Bayan ng Siquijor that kicked off last September 7.

Siquijor Mayor Mei Ling Quezon told The Freeman that since Siquijor have not yet produced a senator in the country, her town considered and adopted Aquino as its "son."

With this initiative, Siquijodnons can now avail themselves of access to government services with the privilege of being represented in the Senate, said the mayor.

"Siquijor considers Aquino as pro-poor, pro-youth and dedicated in public service and deserves the highest privilege of being a son in Siquijor," Quezon said.

Aquino, for his part, assured the Siquijodnon people of help as he encouraged local officials to become partners and catalysts of change toward socio-cultural and economic development.

Aquino also visited resorst and natural parks in the town, accompanied by Governor Zaldy Villa and Provincial Police director, Sr. Supt. PrimitivoTabujara, Jr.  (FREEMAN)