Roxas vows to turn Zamboanga Sibugay into an agricultural powerhouse

Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II
(Photo from Roxas’ official Facebook page)

MANILA—Residents of Zamboanga Sibugay gathered in Ipil City to show their appreciation for the contributions of the Daang Matuwid administration to the province’s development on Friday, the province’s 15th Founding Anniversary.

Governor Wilter Yap Palma and Congresswoman Ann Hofer, along with representatives and almost 10,000 locals from all 16 towns of Zamboanga Sibugay, welcomed Daang Matuwid standard bearer Mar Roxas to the celebration.

The creation of the province of Zamboanga Sibugay can be traced back to Roxas’ term as the majority floor leader during the 11th Congress. Former congressman George Hofer pushed for the creation of Zamboanga Sibugay, which Roxas supported until it was passed into law.

Fifteen years later, Zamboanga Sibugay is now one of the forefront suppliers of agricultural products in the Zamboanga region, with a 100% self-sufficiency rate. With the construction of an airport in Ipil City, which Roxas initiated during his term as secretary of transportation and communication, tourism and trade are expected to further boost the economy of this upcoming powerhouse in the south.

“Ang pagpapatuloy sa Tuwid na Daan ay magdadala sa Sibugay sa patuloy na kasaganaan,” declared Hofer.

Some of the most significant impacts of Daang Matuwid for Zamboanga Sibugay is the connection of provincial and national roads, diversion roads in Ipil City, and concrete farm-to-market roads. These infrastructure developments opened up the Zamboanga Sibugay to neighboring provinces, making it more accessible for trade and travel.

“Dati farm-to-market roads, graba lang. Pagpatak ng ulan, washed out na. Ngayon, farm-to-market roads sementado na. Kahit anong ulan naandiyan pa rin. Napakikinabangan pa rin ng tao,” cited Roxas.

The LP standard bearer hopes to further improve Zamboanga Sibugay’s thriving agricultural sector by launching the Daang Matuwid Bukid Revolution, which would benefit farmers and fisherfolks through the approval of cheaper loans, the construction of post-catch and post-harvest facilities, and the usage of technology to increase produce.

These developments, once they come into fruition, is seen to transform the province into the agricultural powerhouse it could be.

“‘Yang mga programa na ‘yan ay totoo,” wika ni Roxas. “Hindi pangako, nangyayari na ngayon, maasahan na ngayon, napapakinabangan na ngayon. ‘Yan ang Daang Matuwid. ‘Yan ang ating isinusulong,” he said.