New Capitol Building, Iloilo City
11 June 2015
President Benigno S. Aquino III led the inspection of various infrastructure projects during his visit to the province of Iloilo.
First to be inspected was the junction named after his parents: the President Corazon C. Aquino Avenue (PCCA Ave.), formerly known as the Iloilo Circumferential Road, that spans 14.8 kilometers; and the Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue (SBSA Ave.) that stretches 15.6 kilometers from General Luna Street, Iloilo City up to the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan. Both roads are complete with bike lanes, bridges, street lights and sidewalks.
He also inspected the nearly finished Dungon Bridge IV project that underwent road widening of 51.0 linear meters (lm) from four lanes to eight lanes. The project also included a 4-meter wide bicycle lane bridge which the President walked across together with Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson and other Cabinet members.
From the Dungon Bridge, President Aquino conducted a windshield inspection of the Muelle Loney Bridge which is also nearing its completion. The bridge, which has a total length of 125 lm and a budget of Php158.52 million, will allow easier access to the newly completed and operational ferry terminal travelling to Bacolod and vice versa.
The President also led the unveiling of the marker of the newly-renovated Old Capitol Building which is also known as Casa Real de Iloilo.
In his message, President Aquino called the support of Ilonggos for the completion of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project which had been stalled for over 55 years since its inception back in the 1960’s and is once again threatened to be halted due to several protest papers being hurled by the local community against its construction.
In the end, President Aquino urged them to continue the progress and reform his administration has campaigned since his incumbency by choosing the right leader to succeed him in the 2016 presidential election.
“Walang ibang magtutuloy ng positibong pagbabagong ito, kundi ang mga Pilipino rin mismo. Kayo ang sisigurong nasa panig pa rin tayo ng tama at makatuwiran; kayo ang titiyak na hinding-hindi na tayo lilihis pa, at patuloy pang aarangkada ang bilang ng nagkakaisang bansa; tayo pa ring mga Pilipino ang susulat sa magiging tadhana ng bansang Pilipinas,” he said in closing.
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