ANTIQUE – Gov. Rhodora Cadiao supports the proposal to divide the province into two congressional districts.
“Antique has been ready for two congressional districts since 2010,” said Cadiao in an interview with Panay News.
Being proposed to compose the “north district” are the municipalities of Patnongon, Bugasong, Barbaza, Tibiao, Libertad, Culasi, Sebaste, Laua-an, Pandan, and Caluya.
For the “south district”, on the other hand, the towns of Anini-y, Valderrama, Tobias Fornier, Hamtic, Sibalom, San Remigio, San Jose, and Belison are being eyed.
According to Cadiao, a signature campaign has been started by the Liga ng mga Barangay, Sangguniang Kabataan, municipal officials of 18 towns, and even the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
Antique has a population of 612,974 based on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing.
Having two congressional districts will help ensure the delivery of government services to Antiqueños, said Cadiao, especially those in towns such as Caluya, Libertad and Pandan that are far from the capital town of San Jose de Buenavista.
Two representatives to Congress, she added, would mean more effective lobbying for projects.
“The seat of government for the congressman and governor is here in San Jose. Ang far north wara gawa sanda it representation. Ang progress ng northern part is very slow pero kon mayroon isang congressman na nag-aatupag sa area siguro mas maganda,” added the governor./PN
