Wednesday, June 18, 2008 Arroyo to check on Davao bridge Wednesday By Nelson C. Bagaforo
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo embarks on a two-day visit in some parts of Mindanao starting Wednesday to check on infrastructure projects funded by the government.
The President is expected to grace Wednesday morning's formal inauguration of Governor Generoso Bridge 1 in Bankerohan, which was opened to traffic on June 10 in time for the opening of classes.
Press Secretary Jesus V. Dureza said the President would pass through the P216 million bridge, which she inspected on February 29.
The new concrete bridge was opened to traffic by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), easing traffic congestion in Davao City's bustling central business and education district.
After the bridge inspection, Arroyo will proceed to Apo View Hotel to attend the formal merger of the country's two biggest political parties -- the Lakas-CMD (Christian Muslim Democrats) and Kampi, which she heads.
Scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, the Lakas-Kampi merger caucus will also announce the party's candidates in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Armm) elections slated this August 11.
Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Ignacio R. Bunye said the ruling party fielded Armm Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan, who is seeking reelection, and Ansaruddin Alonto Adiong as his running mate.
Also running under Lakas-Kampi are the 20 incumbents who are seeking reelection as members of the 28-member regional legislative assembly, as well as the candidates for the lone districts of Maguindanao, Shariff Kabunsuan, and Tawi-Tawi.
The candidates being fielded by the administration party are: Umbrah Datumanong, Khadefeh Mangudadatu, and Pike Mentang for Maguindanao's lone district; Jackson Bandila, Roonie Sinsuat, and Bongarsa Tomawis Jr. for Shariff Kabunsuan's lone district; Suhayla Salic, Samer Salic, Zia-Ur Adiong, and Al Hamid Diron for Lanao del Sur's 1st district; Saaduddin Alauya Jr., Yasser Balindong, Hosni Macapodi, Rasmia Salic, and Alexander Menor (2nd district); Alhabsi Hassan, Rizal Tingkahan Jr., Nahil Maidisa, and Nivocadnezar Tulawie for Sulu (1st district); Nurwisa Tulawie, Maulana Omar, and Nashruper Daud (2nd district); Rejie Sahali and Shameera Matolo for Tawi-Tawi's lone district; and Rajam Akbar, Bonnie Balamo, Hatimil Hassan, and Juhan Hataman for the lone district of Basilan.
Expected to attend the Lakas-Kampi caucus aside from Bunye are Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, secretary-general of Lakas-CMD; House Deputy Speaker Simeon Datumanong, Lakas vice president for Muslim Communities; former Representative Prospero Pichay, vice president for Mindanao; and Lakas national executive director Undersecretary Raymundo Roquero.
After the caucus, the President will meet with the candidates and Lakas-Kampi leaders and will later inter-face with Cabinet secretaries and national party leaders.
Also invited to join the regional consultation and caucus are Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, Health Secretary Francisco Duque, and Environment Secretary Jose Lito Atienza.
The President will stay overnight in Davao City.
On Thursday, Arroyo will proceed to the City of Mati to inspect what is touted to be the most modern public market in the country -- the New Mati Public Market in Barangay Madang.
The P126-million new public market has a total floor area of 5,222 square meters spread over 1.42 hectares. The single-storey market has four separate buildings that house a total of 588 stalls, commercial and office spaces, ihaw-ihaw area, and a multi-purpose area.
Also to be inspected by the President on Thursday is the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road, which she committed in her Sona (State of the Nation Address) last year.
Arroyo will lead the one-and-a-half hour inaugural drive from the Surigao del Sur town of San Agustin all the way to Tandag City, which will be celebrating its 48th founding anniversary.
The completion of the road project would enhance the agricultural development potential and provide safe and efficient transport mobility and accessibility within and outside Davao and Caraga regions.
It will also enhance the economic growth of the Surigao provinces and neighboring areas. (With Press release)
