ILOILO City – In a bid to expedite the completion of vital national infrastructure projects across Western Visayas, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called for enhanced collaboration between the national government and local authorities.
He issued the call during a visit to Iloilo City on February 13, marking his first since assuming office.
The President presided over the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting at Casa Real de Iloilo, where he underscored the importance of leveraging local knowledge to accelerate the implementation of big-ticket projects.
Attended by provincial and city executives from the region, as well as heads of key national agencies, the meeting served as a platform for discussing progress and addressing challenges in infrastructure development.
Marcos emphasized that local leaders, such as governors and mayors, are vital to the success of these projects.
“Nobody is more expert in your area than the governor and mayors, and so, we always consider your inputs to be very, very valuable,” the President said.
This collaborative approach aims to resolve issues swiftly and harness local ideas for better project execution, he stressed.
Key projects under discussion included the following:
* rehabilitation of the Boracay Circumferential Road
* Jalaur River Multipurpose Project (JRMP II) in Calinog, Iloilo
* Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridge.
The progress of other major projects, such as the Panay Railway System, the Iloilo-Capiz-Aklan Expressway, the widening of Jaime Cardinal Sin Avenue in Aklan, the Bacolod-Negros Occidental Economic Highway, the Panay East-West Road, and the Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project were also reviewed.
Local officials reported on the status of these critical developments, highlighting both achievements and the need for additional support from the national government.
The President reiterated his commitment to supporting these initiatives, stressing that national development hinges on regional empowerment.
“These projects — big or small — must push forward as part of national initiatives,” he said.
Through this regional dialogue, President Marcos sought to foster a more inclusive approach to governance, ensuring that local voices are integral in shaping the region’s infrastructure agenda.
The meeting was attended by key local chief executives, including Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Antique’s Gov. Rhodora Cadiao, Capiz’s Gov. Fredenil Castro, Aklan’s Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores, Guimaras’ Gov. JC Rahman Nava, Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas, Bacolod City’s Mayor Albee Benitez, and Roxas City’s Mayor Ronnie Dadivas. Also present was Uswag Ilonggo party-list’s Cong. James “Jojo” Ang.
“Do not be hesitant if there’s something else that you want to bring up, if there is a problem, or if you think there is a good idea that we can develop. Let us know, and we will look into it,” said the President.
Heads of regional government agencies, such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and National Irrigation Administration (NIA), among others, also participated in the discussions. NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan led the agency’s delegation./PN
