LUCENA CITY , Philippines – Nacionalista mayoralty candidate Lorenzo Zuñiga Jr., of Alaminos, Laguna was disappointed over large percentage of unproductive lands not being used to boost economic development in the said town.
Zuñiga said that hectares upon hectares of lands in Alaminos were rendered idle due to improper management and laxity of the local government to find ways on how to create income-generating jobs through the use of private lands owned by people currently residing abroad and only supervised by their caretakers.
“Rice shortage has become one of the major problems of the country, while we can conceptualize through strong political will and can trigger a change to ease poverty in Alaminos,” Zuñiga said.
He cited that once one reaches the town of Alaminos, travelers only recall that it was a congested town because of traffic problems. He suggested that infra projects like farm to market roads and other alternative routes must be prioritized by the local government. Through a good plan, investors from other countries and local businessmen would be encouraged to fund idle lands by putting up projects that give more jobs, through negotiations between landlords and local executives.
As an economist, Zuñiga envisions Alaminos to be known as one of the competitive and productive towns in the country, alleviating poverty and giving good livelihood programs to peasants and small-medium enterprises (SMEs). – Michelle Zoleta