Representative-elect Mercedes Alvarez (Negros Occidental, 6th District) said on Wednesday, May 11, that she will push for the reestablishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR) and the completion of the Kabankalan City airport.
Negros Occidental Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer said incoming president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said that the revival of the NIR, which will include Negros Occidental and Oriental, should be done through the passage of the law.
Ferrer said there are senators who have committed to the move, and the governor and the Negros Occidental congressmen have discussed the matter.
The representatives of the entire Negros Island will also meet to discuss the revival of the NIR and she is very supportive of the move, Alvarez said.
She also said hopefully the Marcos administration will make the completion of the Kabankalan airport a priority.
The runway is almost finished, what they are waiting for now is funding for the terminal buildings, apron and the extension of the runway in the future to accommodate larger planes, she said.
Alvarez said she will also push for a much needed heart and kidney center in Negros Occidental.
Given a chance, she would like to be appointed House deputy speaker again but it depends on who will be the next Speaker of the House and what the political parties want, Alvarez said.*