Tuesday, January 15, 2008 Teves visits Bayawan to meet local execs, supporters
BAYAWAN CITY, Negros Oriental -- Representative Henry Pryde Teves (3rd district, Negros Oriental) visited this city Sunday after he arrived in Dumaguete City Thursday noon.
The young lawmaker mingles with his supporters and local officials at the residence of Dr. Fidencio G. Aurelia who is presently, the chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Inter Local Health Zone whose office is at the Negros Oriental Integrated Health Office in Dumaguete City.
The lawmaker despite his present situation managed to come here from Dumaguete City to attend birthday of one of his die-hard supporter, Councilor Mark Fidencio Aurelia. Aurelia is the son of Dr. Aurelia.
In a talk with Teves, he said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has given more funds for the third district of Negros Oriental.
He did not however reveal the amount Malacañang poured in his district for the various infrastructure projects.
He described the President's assistance as "consuelo" and opted to continue early childhood developments as his major concern as he resumes in office after the tragedy.
The legislature has already committed himself to join Congress in its opening session this coming January 28.
He disclosed that it won't bother him even if he is still on a wheelchair.
The lawmaker's left foot was severely fractured and the steel braces on it will be removed in the middle of March yet.
It is expected that by that time he can already walk.
Last Thursday, Teves, who was on a wheelchair, planed in from Manila, gave thumbs-up signs to his supporters, and friends at the airport.
He was teary-eyed when he faced the media after a thanksgiving mass upon his arrival in Dumaguete City.
The lawmaker had been on intensive care for almost two months at the St. Luke Hospital in Quezon City for injuries incurred during the Batasan Complex bombing in November last year and is now staying in Dumaguete City.
Teves said he did not expect the warm welcome he received from local officials, supporters, and members of the Big Bikers Club of Negros Oriental.
He said he feels he can recover faster in the province because of its fresh air and environment, and the warmth of the people.
He said he will attend the session in Congress on January 28 although he might still be using crutches.
Teves also promised to make up for all his absences after the incident, and will not focus on the bombing but on projects that his constituents need.
Teves sustained serious injuries including a broken eardrum during the November 13, 2007 bomb blast that killed two of his staff members, and Representative Wahab Akbar. (Edmund B. Sestoso)
