BY PRINCE GOLEZ, Manila Reporter
and GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
MANILA – Iloilo City’s Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog earned praises from President Benigno Aquino III.
“It’s a privilege to work with rising, young politicians” like Mabilog, the President said as he was winding up his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) yesterday afternoon.
The audience applauded.
Reached for his reaction after the Sona, Mabilog told Panay News he did not expect to be mentioned in the President’s speech.
“Nagapasalamat lang ako (I am thankful) that our city is one of the most progressive in the country,” Mabilog said.
The national government has funded big ticket projects in Iloilo City such as, among others, the rehabilitation of the Iloilo River, the circumferential and radial roads, and the relocation of squatters. President Aquino visited Iloilo City on June 27 to inaugurate these.
Mabilog said he has always adhered to the President anti-corruption campaign.
“Hopefully, we will live up to our standard as No. 1 in government efficiency all over the country. Hopefully, it will be emulated by everyone,” Mabilog said.
The mayor described the Sona as a “good summary” of the President’s projects and programs.
“He laid down his concrete plans that will happen in the remaining two years of his presidency,” Mabilog said.
That the President mentioned him, he said, also “validated” Iloilo City’s position as “No. 1 in administrative leadership” in Western Visayas./PN
