Leyte mayor backs Pres. Duterte’s thrusts

CARIGARA, Leyte, July 5 (PNA) –- The local government here is stepping up the implementation of anti-illegal drugs and anti-corruption drive in line with the thrust of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Although Mayor Eduardo Ong was a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) in the May 2016 elections, he’s joining the bandwagon of the President, following the footsteps of his brother, Leyte 2nd district Rep. Henry Ong.

Earlier, the Visayas block lawmakers pledged their support to Pres. Duterte’s administration in its pursuit of development and enactment of pro-people and development-oriented policies.

More than 30 congressmen from Visayas signed the declaration of support, including the neophyte Leyte solon.

“Whatever is good for Carigara such as anti-drugs and eliminating corruption, I will support,” Ong said.

The mayor said they have been backing police operations against personalities allegedly involved in illegal drugs. Ong believed that if their town is drug-free, it will attract more investors.

The mayor also lauded Duterte’s order to reduce the requirements in government offices for the convenience of investors and the public.

The town has been reaping the fruit out of their effort to streamline the process of securing business permits.

Ong expects that SM Prime Holdings will open a Savemore branch in Carigara now that the retail giant firm is looking for two-hectare property to build its new store.

Recently, the Leyte Sorsogon Sea Transport Corporation launched their shipping operation last month from Carigara town to Bulan, Sorsogon.

The firm’s barge carries 32 trucks, hence, enhancing transport of products from Leyte to Luzon.

Carigara, the first town established in Eastern Visayas region, is now a second class town in Leyte province. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 51,345 people. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR