MikeLigalig.com

A day after she delivers her State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to fly to Iloilo to check on the status of rehabilitation activities of projects that have been damaged by typhoon "Frank" in 2008.

Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Raul Banias said they are still finalizing the itinerary of the President but local officials are already making the necessary preparations to have it finalized by Sunday.

“This proves the work ethics of our President knowing how difficult it is to prepare for the SONA and yet a day after she will make a trip to Iloilo,” Banias said.

Banias said the visit is one good opportunity for the President to appreciate the much needed P8-billion Paglaum Fund for rehabilitation, which was already certified as urgent but until now remains with the Senate.

“This will be a major push towards realization of the Paglaum Fund,” he said.

Banias was unsure whether or not the request of another appeal for the Senate to pass the Paglaum Bill will be included in the SONA but he said he also made efforts to get in touch with the team that prepares the President’s SONA.

“What is important that after her SONA she will go to Iloilo and it will be an opportunity for leaders of the region to bring to her attention the need for the rehab fund,” he said. (PNA)

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