Legarda thanks Ilocanos for continued support

Three-term Senator and senatorial candidate Loren Legarda expressed her sincere appreciation to all Ilocanos for their continued support for all her endeavors.

In an earlier statement, the former Senator mentioned that in all her political bids since 1998, Ilocanos consistently showed their strong support for her, thrusting her to the top of the list of favored candidates in Ilocos region. “I am very grateful to all Ilocanos. You have been earnestly supporting me since I started as a public servant in 1998 because you very well understand and appreciate the advocacies I work for. Now that I am seeking a Senatorial comeback, I am asking again for your full support,” Legarda said.

In the most recent Pulse Asia survey, Legarda placed 3^rd among the top choices from the senatorial candidates for the May elections.

Legarda, an Ilocana by heart, shared that her love for Ilocos region goes beyond its beautiful naturescapes, its tourist attractions, and its hearty and healthy cuisines. It springs from her childhood years when a very special person helped raise her and taught her the many wonderful traits and values of hardy Ilocanos.

Legarda said that it was her native Ilocana yaya, Felicidad Bagayas, whom she fondly calls “Nanay Fely,” who deeply ingrained in her a strong sense of responsibility early on. She credits her beloved yaya, along with her late mother Bessie, for the discipline and strict upbringing that molded her into the person she is now and also inspired her to devote her life to public service. “Ang Nanay Fely kong taga Ilocos Norte ang nag-alaga sa akin mula nang ako’y ipinanganak. Ako ay inaruga at pinalaki ng isang Ilocana at nakuha ko po ang ilang pag-uugaling Ilocano,” she mused.

Legarda has expressed her love and gratitude to Ilocanos by spearheading different projects and programs that would improve their lives and livelihoods. During her stint as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, she supported the production of cotton in Pinili, Ilocos Norte through the establishment of weaving and cotton processing centers. She also supported the participation of the San Jose Multipurpose Cooperative of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte and Rowilda’s Loomweaving of Vigan, Ilocos Sur in the yearly National Arts and Crafts Fair exhibition. Whereas, eight MSMEs and cooperatives were able to avail of the Assistance to Artisans funded by Legarda under NCCA.

The three-term Senator also allocated funds for the improvement of health facilities in Ilocos Norte through the establishment of a satellite Rural Health Unit with a birthing facility and provision of medical equipment for Gen. Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag City and for the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City.

Among Legarda’s projects were the construction of classrooms in Paoay East Central Elementary School, improvement of barangay halls, and road projects in Paoay and Batac.

Legarda also advanced the implementation of the DSWD AICS as financial assistance to residents in need, DOLE TUPAD and Pangkabuhayan Program in Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte and La Union to provide emergency employment and livelihood assistance to displaced workers, underemployed, and seasonal workers. She also allocated TESDA programs and scholarships to ensure better employability of Ilocano skilled workers as well as in the promotion of entrepreneurship in Ilocos.

In Ilocos Sur, Legarda also funded the following projects:  Vigan Airport Development Project,  establishment of the Ylokos Province Theme Park water system facilities in public schools, and the repair of Quirino Bridge in the municipality of Bantay.

In La Union, on the other hand, Legarda also supported the sericulture project in the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University and provided them with equipment and supplies, improving their silkworm rearing houses, fabrication of weaving looms, and repair of the weaving house of the Sapilang Weavers’ Association.

“I helped my home province, Antique, reach its “golden age” with the help of my constituents. As I seek another seat at the Senate, I will ensure that this golden age—with your support—will benefit all the cities and municipalities in our country, especially the Ilocos Region, which has always had a special place in my heart,” Legarda concluded.***