Moreno vows to increase infrastructure in Visayas and Mindanao

Last Wednesday, Isko Moreno announced that if he is elected president he would increase infrastructure development in Visayas and Mindanao to accelerate the country’s economy and provide a more inclusive and equitable economic growth.

During an interview in the La Paz public market, Moreno notes that the country’s economic growth is felt almost exclusively in urban areas such as Metro Manila, while remote areas tend to be left behind.

“I’ve been going around the country and I am happy for some provinces that there is enough infrastructure development. But more provinces need more development – whether it is irrigation, whether it is farming, agriculture, fisheries, or any other industries that may benefit them,” Moreno said.

“If elected, may awa ang Diyos, sa tulong ng tao, investments in terms of infusing development, a peso spent in Metro Manila will never give us much economic growth because of the principle of the Law of Diminishing Returns. But the same peso spent in the provinces will give us more upside in terms of return. So, you will see more developments in far-flung areas,” Moreno explained.

The 47-year-old presidential aspirant said his commitment to boost countryside development was further reinforced when he visited the birthplace of his father in San Joaquin, and later on in Antique.

“Nakita ko talaga kung bakit nagpunta ang tatay ko sa Maynila. Talaga palang napakahirap ng buhay sa bundok,” he said.

Moreno has likened his economic plan to giving a pizza to a less fortunate family that only eats dried fish rather than to a wealthy family that already enjoys Lechon. He states that a Moreno government would focus on distributing resources to poorer provinces where it is more needed. He proclaimed that the strategy “will not only accelerate economic growth but will also accelerate the reduction of inequality among Filipinos.”

To accelerate economic growth, promote equality, and create more jobs the candidate aims to continue the Build, Build, Build Program of the current administration. However, he wishes to focus more on the construction of public houses, hospitals, and schools.

Under his Bilis Kilos 10-Point Agenda for Governance, Moreno’s presidency will prioritize the provision of the minimum basic needs and other social services and an open and transparent government.

Taking the Cebu-Cordova Bridge into consideration, Moreno plans to construct bridges that will connect the major islands of the archipelago. These bridges, he claims, will improve the facilitation of goods and services throughout the country. Additionally, these bridges may serve as tourism circuits and highways.

Moreno said such infrastructure investments will result in more jobs and lead to the formation of more micro, small and medium industries (MSMEs), thus further creating more job opportunities.

“If they can do it there, we can do it here, and we can do it anywhere in a short period of time,” he said.

Moreno emphasized that actions will be determined by a thorough consultation with the people since the welfare of the people will be the heart of his presidency.

“It will be a people-oriented approach, ang pupuhunanan natin ang taong bayan, tao muna,” Moreno told media.