Solons inspect dev’t projects in north Luzon

DAGUPAN CITY - In a bid to personally oversee where the government fund is going, some 85 members of the House of Representatives embarked on a five-day journey to North Luzon to inspect development projects in the regions.

Members of the 17th Congress prepare to partake the sumptuous lunch prepared by
the family of former Speaker Joe de Venecia at their palatial home in the
coastal village of Dagupan City.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Majority Floor Leader Rododlfo Farinas led the large group of congressmen in the inspection tour in La Union. Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Benguet, Isabela and Pangasinan from June 1 to 6. 

Alvarez said the inspection and familiarization tour is a first in the history of the Congress and is eyeing to institutionalize the inspection every time the House prepares for budget approval.

“Minarapat namin na makita ang kundisyon ng mga probinsiya para malaman natin kung ano ba talaga ang kailangan sa isang lugar  o tama ba ang pinaglalaanan ng pondo ng ating gobyerno bago natin i-approve and budget,” Alvarez told newsmen during their stop in Dagupan City where Fourth District Representative Christoffer De Venecia, along with his parents, former Speaker Jose de Venecia ,Jr and former Rep Gina De Venecia, hosted lunch for the group.

Alvarez said in the course of their trip, the group has seen many concerns that need to be addressed. Notable among their findings are infrastructure projects like roads and bridges that need rehabilitation.

“Dito sa Ilocos Region, marami kaming nakita na highways na two-lane lang. Its about time na gawing four-lane ang mga ito. Its also time to revive the railway na dati namang meron na,” he added.

The wider roads and railway, he said, will greatly contribute to the easy transport of farm products from the province to Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

Alvarez said the vast agricultural lands in Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija and Cagayan will get a big boost with the infrastructure projects.

He clarified that these could not be addressed overnight as the term of the President is very short. He assured, however, that these will be given proper attention by the House members. (VHS/PIA-Pangasinan)