Congressman Siao commits to promote tourism, SMEs

BY ASA T. MADALE

May 24, 2019

ILIGAN CITY: Re-elected representative for the lone district of Iligan Frederick W. Siao has committed to promoting tourism and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) growth in the city.

Siao emphasized that infrastructure, education, and enterprise systems poised for faster economic growth according to the legislative agenda, 

He thanked his constituents for his renewed mandate as he was proclaimed for the recent congressional race.

Based on the official result tabulation of the Comelec, Siao of NP garnered a total vote of 64,354, followed by Roy Ga of PDPLBN 61,480 votes and James Aldeguer PFP 727.

"We will focus our efforts in the 18th Congress on how to make Iligan City grow faster here in Northern Mindanao," Siao said, adding that, "Tourism and small medium enterprises are our problems."

The House Bill (8510) that Siao authored seeking to declare Iligan City as a tourism and development area already passed third and final reading in the House of Representatives and was transmitted to the Senate last November 29,2018.

"It can still be passed into law before the 17th Congress ends Senate wills," said Siao,

If Siao's bill becomes a law, Iligan City will be included in the National Tourism Development Plan of the Department of Tourism that will enable it to have its just share in the infrastructure budget of the national government.

Iligan has the magnificent Maria Cristina Waterfalls, as well as the falls of Limunsudan and Tinago. We have natural springs in Timoga-Buruun and the forests of Mt. Agad-Agad and Rogongon and Digkilaaan.

"Iligan City is also one of the two gateways to Northern Mindanao. The other is Cagayan de Oro City," Siao noted.

"Iligan already has ample hotels resorts, wellness facilities and other components of the tourism sector. However, the city and the rest of Northern Mindanao need network road and bridges to vastly improve access to the many tourist spots of the city and its neighboring communities," Siao emphasized.

Siao also said he will look for ways to help public and private schools in Iligan City gain access to more funds available for their educational development, the Congressman said.

"All these efforts will result in more families in Iligan seeing and feeling their income rise. They will gain better access to basic social services, the legislator added. (With a report from agencies/ATM/RSP)