Such were the welcoming words of Bataan First District Rep. Geraldine Roman to around 50 solons who visited Bataan for the Congressional North and Central Luzon Inspection Trip on June 6.
Gathered in the imposing theater of Hotel de Oriente at the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in this town, the solons took a relaxing break from a weeklong tour around Luzon.
The lawmakers, who came from various congressional committees, have been on the road for six days – from Ilocos to Banaue all the way to Bataan.
Not a Mere Excursion
Around 80 solons started the inspection trip to Ilocos and Banaue on May 31. By the time they reached Bataan, the number had been reduced to 50.
“We visited North Luzon and even some parts of Mindanao for us to have firsthand knowledge of our country’s situation,” said Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Fariñas.
House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said that the inspection trip is part of the national expenditure program.
“We do the trip annually as an important part of the national expenditure program. Usually, lawmakers wait for the regions to submit their proposals for the general appropriations. Through inspection trips like this, we can determine the priority projects for each region,” said Alvarez.
Focus on Tourism, Infrastructure, and Technology
“The government should spend in promoting tourism and restoring tourist destinations,” said Alvarez when asked about the major points highlighted in the inspection trip.
The house speaker also cited possible infrastructure projects such as construction of airports and farm-to-market roads.
“We are also ensuring that each municipality has internet access as basic communication means,” Alvarez went on.
Captivated by Bataan’s Wonders
Bataan Second District Rep. Jose Enrique Garcia, III presented the province to solons who were all captivated by its natural beauty. “We’ve been six days on the road, and Bataan is the most beautiful that we have seen,” said Fariñas as he lauded Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and its owner, Jose Rizalino Acuzar.
Bagac Mayor Luis Gabriel Del Rosario expressed the same sentiments saying that the lawmakers are always welcome to Bataan.
Former Congresswoman Herminia Roman and Ms. Isabel Garcia, wife of Bataan’s Second District representative, were also present to welcome the inspection trip delegates to Bataan.
