Enrile bats for Batangas port upgrade, world-class Kapeng Barako
Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile woos voters in Batangas on Sunday (March 10, 2019). Photo courtesy of Juan Ponce Enrile
MANILA, Philippines – Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who is seeking a Senate comeback, wooed voters in Batangas over the weekend and bared plans and programs to further spur economic growth in the province.
Enrile met with local leaders from the municipalities of Balayan, Lian and, Nasugbu on Sunday after a motorcade.
Enrile went to the Balayan Covered Court to witness the awarding of educational scholarships to deserving students after meeting with Former Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and his daughter, Batangas 1st District Rep. Eileen Ermita Buhain, over breakfast.
Enrile then visited the scenic towns of Lian and Nasugbu where he was welcomed by local residents and even tourists.
“Narito ako upang muling ipaliwanag ang aking mga hangarin para sa tuloy-tuloy na pag-unlad ng mga probinsya tulad ng Batangas,” he said.
Article continues after this advertisementBatangas Port upgrade
Article continues after this advertisementEnrile said he would push for the improvement of the Batangas port as he noted that the province needs a world-class port for commerce and tourism.
“We need to improve the Batangas port. It is the gateway of many world-class products being made in Batangas and also a destination and stopover of many tourist vessels,” Enrile said.
He also pointed out that Batangas is also the gateway of tourists who are en route to Mindoro, Boracay, and Romblon.
He noted that products like glycerine, as well as ballpens and art supplies from international brands, are made in Batangas and are shipped out of the country through the port.
‘Kapeng Barako’ boost
Meanwhile, Enrile further called for the enhanced production of the province’s famous “Kapeng Barako” so that it can compete with those in the global market.
“With the demand for coffee continuing to soar all over the world, the Philippines must make its local brands, such as Kapeng Barako, better to compete with international brands. If we open up the local coffee industry to more investments, we can make our coffee truly world-class,” he said.
“Higher demand for our coffee will, in turn, create more jobs and more profits for Batangueños and other Filipinos,” he pointed out.
Enrile is seeking a return to the Senate under the Partido ng Masang Pilipino party. / gsg
