POE LAUDS KASIMANWA ENTREPS, BEAUTY QUEEN BAR 4TH PLACER

ILOILO CITY --- Sen. Grace Poe commended the business community of Iloilo for their significant contribution to the local economy during the Philippine-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Panay Chapter Induction of Officers held in Mandurriao.

"We are grateful to all of you who have decided to invest and locate your businesses here in Iloilo and in the region. The income that you earn, the taxes that you pay government, and the employment that your businesses generate for our people have placed Iloilo as a main hub for our country's inclusive, sustained growth," she said.

As the sixth largest contributor to the country's gross domestic product (GDP), the Western Visayas region contributed four percent GDP from 2014 to 2016.

"By setting up your businesses here in Panay island, you create economic opportunities outside Manila, which can provide jobs to those who would otherwise not have access to new forms of employment," Poe said.

Poe also took the time to exemplify her kasimanwa, Allana Mae Babayen-on, a beauty queen who placed fourth in the recent Bar exams, elevating her hometown and school, the University of San Agustin. Schools from the regions edged out Metro Manila universities in the last Bar.

"Bilib talaga tayo sa galing ng ating mga kasimanwa na tulad ni Allana Mae Babayen-on na nagpamalas ng sipag at talinong nagmumula sa pusong Ilongga," Poe said on the sidelines of the event, "We look forward to many more Allanas making a difference in our lives."

Iloilo City has the lowest poverty rate among all cities and municipalities in the Western Visayas region, according to latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority

At the same time, Poe sought the support of her fellow Ilonggos and representatives in Congress in pushing for the passage of key measures: the emergency powers bill to address traffic, the Freedom of Information, and anti-hunger initiatives consisting of the school-based feeding program for public school students enrolled in K-12, and the First 1,000 Days Act that provides children full support beginning conception up to two years of age.

In the last Congress, Poe successfully stirred the passage of the measure extending the validity of driver's license from three years to five years or ten years if renewing with no infractions.