Inday Loren, Gov. Cadiao Gift Antiqueños with More Projects in Joint Birthday Celebration

Senator “Inday Loren” Legarda announced more programs for Antique, such as the operations of FastCat and the University of the Philippines-Visayas extension campus, during her joint birthday thanksgiving celebration with Governor Rhodora “Dodod” Cadiao.

Together with Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (APFC) President Chet Pastrana and Palawan Governor Pepito Alvarez, who has roots in Bugasong, Legarda and Cadiao unveiled the FastCat project, which will connect Antique (Culasi-Caluya) to Mindoro.

The Senator shared that plans for this began last year when she was thinking of how she can help her fellow Antiqueños to go to other provinces. She immediately met with Pastrana and successfully convinced him to invest in Antique.

“This is another effort to ease travel to and from Antique not only for our kasimanwas but also for tourists and investors. Like the Philippine Airlines’ direct flights to Antique, the FastCat project will help spur local economy as it will boost trade and tourism,” said Legarda.

Meanwhile, the Senator, together with UP Visayas Chancellor Dr. Ricardo Babaran, also announced the upcoming Extension Campus of UP Visayas in Antique. This means more learning opportunities for the youth of Antique.

Legarda also turned over four coconut husk decorticating machines to the municipalities of Caluya, Libertad, Pandan, and Sebaste. The machines were provided through the initiative of Legarda and Senator Cynthia Villar under the Department of Agriculture and Philippine Coconut Authority.

With the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Legarda announced the provision of composting and shredding facilities for biodegradable waste to the municipalities of Libertad, Hamtic, and Pandan. These composting facilities will be placed in 8 public markets.

“In the weeks and months to come, we will be announcing and inaugurating more programs as we continue to ensure that we provide basic services to all my kasimanwas. Antique’s progress is unstoppable and I will make sure that this will be an inclusive development because we want to uplift the life of every Antiqueño,” Legarda concluded.