Senatorial candidate Joseph Victor ‘JV’ Ejercito greets supporters at the UniTeam Grand Rally on March 31, 2022 after he joined Bukidnon Governor Jose Maria Zubiri and reelectionist Senator Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri at the rally stage. Ejercito was invited to join the rally while he was launching sorties in Northern Mindanao.
MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Wednesday said upgrading transportation infrastructure in the Bicolandia will stimulate the region’s economy and improve local tourism.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Naga, Ejercito said he will support upgrades to the old Bicol Express Line, which are expected to accommodate both cargo and passengers between Manila and the Bicol region once completed.
“Ang kulang nalang talaga ay itong Bicol line. Kailangan natin ang Bicol Express. Sayang yung tatlong taon na nawala ako. Sana naitulak natin,” he said.
The former Senator said the new Bicol line will pave the way for growth development areas across the region.
“Lahat ng dadaanan – Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, hanggang Sorsogon – ay magkakaroon ng growth areas ‘yan. Magkakaroon ng industrial parks. Magkakaroon ng food terminals para naman makatulong sa agrikultura. At siyempre, commercial areas,” Ejercito said.
“Lahat ‘yan, trabaho at hanapbuhay ang idudulot dahil ikakalat na natin ang development,” he added.
Moreover, Ejercito said upgrading the capacity of the region’s airports should also be prioritized.
“The Legazpi International Airport is now operational. Sana itong Naga Airport, sana ma-upgrade na kasi pag cloudy, ganyan, madalas nacacancel ang flight. Kailangan malagyan na ng bagong instrumentation o hanapan ng bagong location,” he said.
Aside from boosting the economy, the former Senator said these developments in the region’s transport infrastructure will also encourage more tourists to visit the region.
“Madalas ako sa Bicol dahil napakaganda ng Bicol. Mayroon kayong Mt. Mayon, Caramoan, at iba pa. Napakaganda. Ang problema, napakalayo. Pati ang ekonomiya ng Bicol ay kumbaga naging poor region dahil sa layo,” he said.
“Once you put the infrastructure in place, sisigla ang ekonomiya pati ang turismo ay magiging madali,” he added.
Should he return to the Senate, Ejercito said he will lobby for the adoption of a comprehensive master plan for infrastructure development and transport modernization to “spread development in the country’s rural areas.”
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