DAET, Camarines Norte, May 27, 1998 - Various sectors in Camarines Norte thanked President Ramos for all the assistance he has given to the province, especially in infrastructure development, during the past six years of his (Official release, Office of the Press Secretary) administration.
The President, in his speech during the multi-sectoral meeting here before the start of the 43rd Regional Cabinet Meeting, also thanked the residents and local officials of the province and all of Region 5 for the cooperation they have extended to his government.
The President said he pushed for the infrastructure development of the Bicol Region because it is critical in opening the countryside to development and in allowing Bicol to keep in step with other progressive regions.
He said because of this, the government is rehabilitating the Maharlika Highway which passes through the capital town of Daet.
The President recalled that upon the request of the residents of Daet, he approved the extension of the highway from the junction of Basud to the junction of Daet's Poblacion.
"This we did not only for your convenience but also for both north and south-bound travelers to stop over in Daet and thereby spur greater trade and commercial activities here," he said.
The portion of the highway from Pagbilao, Quezon up to Sipocot, Camarines Sur through Daet has already been repaired, the President said, adding that only the section between Sipocot and San Fernando, also in Camarines Sur, needs upgrading.
The President vowed to complete this project as soon as possible "because the Maharlika Highway, after all, is the main artery that connects all of the three major island groups of our country from Aparri in Cagayan to Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City in Mindanao."
He told the people of Camarines Norte that he also inspected the ongoing construction of the Quirino Highway which provides an alternative route from Calauag, Quezon, to Sipocot via the towns of Del Gallego, Liboro and Ragay in Camarines Sur.
Aside from reducing travel time by about two hours, the President said, this road will also open up the coastal communities along Ragay Gulf to trade and commerce and stabilize the peace and order situation in those areas.
The President said the Quirino Highway is expected to be finished on July 25.
He said the revitalization of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Main Line South will revive train travel from Manila to Bicol, adding that the tracks between Lucena City and Naga City have already been rehabilitated under Phase I of this project.
According to him, the second phase of the project involved rehabilitating the tracks between San Pedro, Laguna to Lucena City and between Naga City and Legaspi City.
Earlier in the morning, the President rode a train which traversed a portion of the restored railway from Daraga up to the Legaspi City terminal which is expected to be operational starting June 15.
He said with these infrastructures now in place, it is now the responsibility of local officials and the citizens themselves to make full use of these facilities to accelerate the region's economic growth.
The President emphasized that he is heartened to note that Camarines Norte is up to this challenge as proven by the recovery it has made since "Rosing," the worst typhoon that hit the province in l995 which brought about an estimated P6.4 billion in damage to crops and infrastructure.
"The effects of these collaborative efforts are evident in the accomplishments of Camarines Norte and the regained confidence of its people to face challenges of the future," the President said.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 1998
All rights reserved