Three-term Senator Loren Legarda during her visit to the Province of Ilocos Norte in 2013 (Photo by Edward Ganal)
MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate Loren Legarda has asked Ilocanos to support her in her push to be elected senator again.
The three-term senator said that since 1998, Ilocanos consistently showed their strong support for all her political bids, thrusting her to the top of the list of favored candidates in the Ilocos region.
“I am very grateful to all Ilocanos. You have been earnestly supporting me since I started as a public servant in 1998 because you very well understand and appreciate the advocacies I work for,” she said in a statement.
“Now that I am seeking a Senatorial comeback, I am asking again for your full support.”
The Antique Congresswoman is an Ilocana by heart, as she was raised by her native Ilocana yaya, Felicidad Bagayas, who taught her many traits and values of hardy Ilocanos.
“Ang Nanay Fely kong taga Ilocos Norte ang nag-alaga sa akin mula nang ako’y ipinanganak. Ako ay inaruga at pinalaki ng isang Ilocana at nakuha ko po ang ilang pag-uugaling Ilocano,” she said.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Legarda has supported cotton production in Pinili, Ilocos Norte, through the establishment of weaving and cotton processing centers.
She also supported the participation of the San Jose Multipurpose Cooperative of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, and Rowilda’s Loom Weaving of Vigan, Ilocos Sur in the yearly National Arts and Crafts Fair exhibition. Whereas eight MSMEs and cooperatives were able to avail of the Assistance to Artisans funded by Legarda under NCCA.
Legarda has allocated funds to improve health facilities in Ilocos Norte by establishing a satellite Rural Health Unit with a birthing facility and providing medical equipment for Gen. Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital, Laoag, and for the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City.
Legarda’s other projects in the province also include the construction of classrooms at Paoay East Central Elementary School, improvements to barangay halls, and road projects in Paoay and Batac.
Loren Legarda with her Nanay Fely (File photo)
Meanwhile in Ilocos Sur, Legarda has funded the Vigan Airport Development Project, the establishment of the Ylokos Province Theme Park, water system facilities in public schools, and the repair of the Quirino Bridge in the municipality of Bantay.
She also provided equipment and supplies to the sericulture project in the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University─La Union.
“I helped my home province, Antique, reach its ‘’golden age’ with the help of my constituents. As I seek another seat at the Senate, I will ensure that this golden age—with your support—will benefit all the cities and municipalities in our country, especially the Ilocos Region, which has always had a special place in my heart,” Legarda said.
Legarda remains among the top choice for senator in the 2022 elections as she ranked third among the preferred senatorial candidates on the recent Pulse Asia survey.
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