BACOLOD Representative Evelio Leonardia has facilitated P2.2 billion worth of infrastructure projects for the Lone District funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways and other government agencies since he assumed the congressional post in 2013 up to this month.
In 2013, he was able to work for the implementation of about P500 million worth of projects, and about P700 million in 2014.
In 2015, about P1 billion worth of projects were funded and 50 percent of it was already implemented.
"I am very preoccupied with my job as your congressman. In terms of filing bills, I am following this up not just to see to it that it gets the approval in the committee, in Congress and in the Senate which takes time. We have to deal with various agencies of government such as the Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, among others. If we talk about infrastructure projects, we are dealing with billions of pesos," he said.
The latest project he got from the Road Board is the installation of street lights worth P50 million. The congressman said he got the commitment of Road Board executive director Adolfo Escalona for the said project.
“(For the location of streetlights) I am recommending the entrances of Bacolod including the flyover,” he said.
In terms of tourism related projects, he is able to get around P350 million worth of projects.
Political plans
Asked if he is running for mayor in the May 2016 elections, Leonardia said whatever position that the people give him; he gives his full dedication to serve them best.
"Since my contract with the people is to serve them as their congressman, then I will serve them as their congressman. When they voted me as their mayor, I also served them with my best," he said.
He assures the people of Bacolod that he knows where he stand.