A BACOLOD City lawmaker on Sunday, July 30, said P1.6 billion in infrastructure projects are being implemented by the National Government in the city between July 1, 2016 and July 2017.
Bacolod City Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya, in his State of the District Address (Soda) or Congressman's Report on Sunday, said he is thankful to President Rodrigo Duterte that for the past 365 days projects such as road repair and constructions, drainage programs, Bacolod economic highway, and flyover were granted to Bacolod.
Of the P1.6 billion, P400 million was funded for the construction of the Magsaysay-Araneta flyover.
Gasataya said in a span of four months, the Department of Health paid close to P8 million worth of medical assistance to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital for the people of Bacolod.
He said his office facilitated assistance to a total of 8,500 patients.
“It’s one of my big accomplishments to extend the life of our constituents," Gasataya added.
In his first 365 days, Gasataya authored and co-authored more than 70 House resolutions and bills such as the resolution on high fructose corn syrup, amendment of sugar sweetened beverages excise tax, free tuition and other school fees in state universities and colleges, national feeding program in public elementary and kindergarten, tax reform, expanded health insurance coverage, magna carta for the poor, national sports training center, June 18 Charter Day, additional legislative district, increase in age of declared dependents, establishment of Commission on Higher Education and Professional Regulatory Commission offices in Bacolod, two additional branches of municipal trial courts, infrastructure and road network, consistent pension for senior citizen and increase of Social Security System pension, reduction of optional retirement age to 56, extended maternity leave, among others.
Gasataya said his office also provided scholarships program to almost 1,000 Commission on Higher Education scholars in Bacolod.
He also sponsored several sport programs like basketball league, chess and karate tournaments, kite-flying competition, among others.
Gasataya said for the coming years, more improvements and projects will be implemented in Bacolod.
He said the construction of road from Bangga Cory towards Murcia, continues as well as the road widening in Barangay Alangilan, road construction in Barangay Sum-ag, and the lighting system, which were already included in 2018 national budget.
The lawmaker added that P1 billion is also included for the construction of the New Bacolod Economic Highway, and the National Government also approved another flyover in the area of Lopue’s East.
Gasataya also vowed to address the water and electricity supply concerns in Bacolod.
He added that he is planning to file a resolution for a congressional inquiry to address the water supply problem.
“Let us work together for the development and improvement of our city," he appealed to Bacolodnons.
Gasataya’s Soda was attended by Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, councilors, barangay officials, and business group leaders.