SP takes stand on 2 controversial issues

The News Today, 8/14/2006
By Maricar M. Calubiran

For the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, it is better late than never to pour out their sentiments on the omission of the city in the plan to put up the Task Force for the Panay Tourism Development Authority and the proposed changing of the name of the new Iloilo International Airport to Panay International Airport.

Last week, the city council unanimously approved two resolutions vehemently objecting the non-inclusion of the city in the plan to put up the Task Force for the Panay Tourism Authority.

The non-inclusion of the city was earlier protested by Mayor Jerry Treñas. He even sent a letter to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last week. The President has yet to give its reply to the chief executive.

The creation of the task force is specifically designed to promote Panay Island as tourism and investment destination as part of the Super Regions programs of the President. The creation of the Super Regions was made by the President during her recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Regional Development Council chair Sally Perez has already apologized to the mayor for the non-inclusion of the city in the Task Force for the Panay Tourism Authority. While, Assistant Secretary Salvador Sarabia assured that he will move for the inclusion of Iloilo City in the said task force. He personally went to the mayor's office and briefed the latter on the program.

Aside from the non-inclusion of the city in the Task Force for the Panay Tourism Development Authority, the city council also made a stand on the proposed plan to change the name of the new Iloilo International Airport to the Panay International Airport.

Apart from the council, the Rotary Club of Iloilo City has also taken their stand on the two issues recently hugging the headlines of the local media. The group through its president Rebecca Maravilla sent a letter to the chief executive relative to the two issues.

The News Today, 8/14/2006