Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino expressed full support for government projects aimed at accelerating economic growth in Panay Island.
At the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas presser in Iloilo City, Tolentino backed the 210-kilometer Iloilo-Capiz-Aklan Expressway (ICAEx), which will connect two cities and 20 municipalities across Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo. A key component is the Panay-Guimaras Bridge, linking Panay to Guimaras, known for its world-class mangoes.
The former Metro Manila Development Authority chairman also praised the newly opened Sunset Boulevard in Iloilo City, which aims to ease traffic and provide recreational space for Ilonggos.
Highlighting legislative efforts, Tolentino cited Republic Act No. 11735, which established a marine hatchery in Batad, Iloilo, benefiting fisheries beyond the region, including Dagupan, Pangasinan.
“These marine hatcheries produce fingerlings that benefit the fisheries sector, not just in Iloilo, but also other areas and provinces, such as Dagupan in Pangasinan, a major bangus producer,” he pointed out.
The reelectionist senator also sees Iloilo’s potential as a medical tourism hub and supports building medical centers alongside new medical schools in state universities.IMT
