Senator Bam Aquino and Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya at the Bacolod City Government Center on Wednesday*
Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV pledged his support for Negros Occidental and Bacolod City in meetings with the governor and mayor on Wednesday, July 9.
Aquino during his visits to Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Capitol and Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya at the Bacolod City Government Center assured them that he is just a phone call away if they need his help.
The senator, who topped the senatorial race in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City in May, was in the province and city to thank Negrenses and Bacolodnons for their support.
Aquino said his meeting with the governor focused on environment and sugar industry concerns.
The senator said he would look into a Department of Environment and Natural Resources reforestation project in Negros and work towards enhancing water support for the sugar industry.
He noted that climate change has led to insufficient rainfall for sugarcane fields, which may need solar irrigation solutions.
In his separate meeting with Gasataya, Aquino outlined his priorities should he assume the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Education.
These include:
• Accelerated construction of classrooms nationwide
• Distribution of updated textbooks and learning materials
• Tuition cost reduction initiatives for students
• Expansion of scholarship programs for Filipino youth
Gasataya welcomed Aquino’s proposals, emphasizing the pivotal role of education in Bacolod’s development agenda.
He committed the local government’s support to align national education reforms with the city’s growth objectives.*
Senator Bam Aquino (3rd from left) with Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva, Rep. Alfredo Marañon III (Neg. Occ., 2nd District), Bago City Mayor Mayor Marina Javellana-Yao, Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, Manapla Mayor Mika Escalante and former mayor Manuel Escalante (l-r) in Bacolod City, Tuesday night, July 8.*