President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on Iloilo local government chief executives to coordinate with the national government in developing infrastructure projects in the province.

Speaking at the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting in Iloilo City on Thursday, President Marcos said local chief executives play a crucial role in improving the province and the welfare of their constituents.

“Nobody is more expert in your area than the governor and mayors, and so, we always consider your inputs to be very, very valuable,” President Marcos said.

“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, iparating ninyo sa amin and we will look into it,” he added.

President Marcos was briefed on the progress of the major infrastructure projects in Western Visayas, including the rehabilitation and improvement of the Boracay Circumferential Road and the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage III.

He also received updates on the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridge Project, the Panay Railway System, the Boracay Bridge Project, and the Road Widening along Jaime Cardinal Sin Avenue in Aklan.

The local chief executives also presented updates on the Bacolod-Negros Occidental Economic Highway, the Panay East-West Road, the Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project, and the Iloilo-Capiz-Aklan Expressway.

“This has been very useful for us because it is very important for us at the national level to hear from the locals. I am always reminding everyone that you must do all of these big projects, small projects, whatever it is basta’t national initiative,” he said.

The President then reaffirmed his support for all priority projects in Western Visayas. | PND