Abalos stresses need to ensure food security, backs Iloilo airport rehab
ILOILO City — Senatorial aspirant Benhur Abalos underscored the need to ensure food security in the country as this is important to address hunger and malnutrition.
In a press conference ahead of the campaign kick off rally here, Abalos presented some of his platform of government that includes food security.
“Napaka-importante po ng food security,” he said.
One of his proposals is to provide assistance to the local farmers to boost production.
He also suggested to the Local Government Unit (LGUs) buying the agricultural products of the farmers.
“Ang talagang malaking tulong dito ay lahat ng local government isipin niyokung gagawin po yun wala na pong magiging problema ang ating mga magsasaka,” he added.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed support for the declaration of food security emergency to bring down the prices of rice.
In a related story, the former DILG Secretary expressed strong support for the rehabilitation of Iloilo International Airport, citing its potential to drive tourism growth and economic development in Western Visayas.
Abalos underscored the need for modernized airport infrastructure to keep pace with rising tourist arrivals in the region.
Iloilo saw a significant increase in visitors, from 13.4 percent during the pandemic to 17.81 percent in 2023, generating P8.3 billion in tourism receipts in 2023, according to Abalos.
“Napakagandang sign ito sapagkat grabe ang tourist arrivals ninyo. Anong simbolismo nito? Ang mga tao gustong puntahanang Iloilo. Meaning, yung increase na ito dapat magcope-up ang ating infrastructure. And for the rehabilitation of the airport, kaisa nyo po ako dito,” Abalos stated.
“This surge in tourist arrivals is a great sign. It shows that people want to visit Iloilo,” Abalos said.
Iloilo International Airport currently operates direct flights to Hong Kong and Singapore, with Cebu Pacific set to launch a direct Iloilo-Bangkok route next month.
Ranking fifth nationwide in passenger volume, the airport is up for expansion to accommodate increasing demand, according to Abalos.
Abalos said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) should prioritize the approval od proposals for the rehabilitation of the Iloilo airport.
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