MAASIN CITY – Former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary and First District Representative, Atty. Roger G. Mercado, expressed his aspirations during his recent afternoon visit at the Southern Leyte Times office. Guided by the acronym TEA which stands for Tourism, Environment and Agriculture, he specified some concrete examples.
Mercado emphasized his desire for the provincial hospital (SOYMPH) to become a Medical Center that could provide wider and better service to the people. In the area of education, he envisions a Philippine Science High School in Southern Leyte to allow bigger opportunity for science oriented students here to avail of excellent training.
Inasmuch as tourism is the Visayas region’s thrust, he wants to see a Tourism Master Development Plan for the province that is viable and sustainable – one that considers the nature of the environment; identifies areas, plots out appropriate development, and gives correct information. Known for his “One Man One Tree” slogan, he continues to encourage the planting of trees.
He also cited the importance of finishing the provincial airport in Panan-awan, Maasin City. When asked why the airport is not yet completed, he said that the extended runway still needs a huge bulk of filling materials due to its depth. He believes that there is sufficient budget for the airport. (GMReyes)