VIRAC, Catanduanes – Governor-elect Patrick Alain Azanza has successfully concluded a series of crucial meetings in Manila, securing significant commitments for the long-awaited “Friendship Bridge” and extensive agricultural support for Catanduanes. These breakthroughs, a result of direct engagement with National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan and Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Kiko Laurel, signal a promising future for the island’s economic transformation and food security under Azanza’s incoming administration.
In a key meeting, Governor-elect Azanza presented his strategic vision to NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, emphasizing the Friendship Bridge, the establishment of Economic Zones, and the vital role of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) in driving the island’s progress.
Secretary Balisacan, recognizing Azanza’s background as an international consultant, commended the proposed “Triangle Approach”—a development model featuring collaboration between Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte. He noted its similarity and sound rationale to the ongoing Panay-Guimaras-Negros Islands Model. “I think you are on the right track,” Balisacan reportedly told Azanza, providing strong support for the project’s feasibility.
Azanza, relieved to have met with Balisacan—the last key official on his list—declared “mission accomplished.” The NEDA Secretary, appreciating Azanza’s persistence, assured him of various potential funding sources for the bridge. He also highlighted that the proposed Catanduanes bridge would be considerably shorter than the estimated PhP 189 billion Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge project. Given that the “Friendship Bridge” is identified as a “priority” in the Bicol Regional Development Plan, Azanza believes it has strong prospects for realization and encourages collaborative efforts among the leaders of the three provinces.
Prior to his NEDA meeting, Governor-elect Azanza secured significant agricultural support from DA Secretary Kiko Laurel. Azanza’s direct engagement with the Secretary underscored his determination to maximize assistance for Catanduanes’ farmers and fisherfolk.
Secretary Laurel confirmed existing commitments for farm-to-market roads and irrigation support. Additionally, the DA will provide mechanized stripping machines for abaca farmers and a provincial abaca buying station for the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU).
Azanza also successfully requested DA assistance in directly marketing abaca, ensuring higher prices for local farmers and securing buyers in both local and international markets. The DA Secretary’s office will directly help with this distribution.
Furthermore, Azanza secured 11 tractors for the “5K (Kabuhayan)” program, which will offer free plowing services. A primary focus of their discussion was food security, with Azanza appealing to the Secretary to support local farmers and fisherfolk to reduce the island’s reliance on imported food from mainland Bicol. Secretary Laurel fully supported this, promising to connect Azanza with DA officials after July 1 and agreeing to visit Catanduanes.
“Your Governor-elect is not stopping in his efforts to achieve true change for our Island,” Azanza emphatically stated, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to Catanduanes’ development and the welfare of its citizens. Via GE Page | Bicol Peryodiko NewsTeam
