Congressman-elect Julio "Jules" Ledesma IV (Lakas CMD) yesterday said his highest priority for the first district of Negros Occidental is the completion of the San Carlos City airport that will cost another P250 to P300 million.

The former first district three-term solon arrived at the Kadiwa Center in Bacolod City with his wife, movie star Assunta de Rossi, for his proclamation Saturday morning.

His wife, Assunta, said "My main focus right now is having babies, for me it's long overdue…I am not even thinking about working as of now, I really want to get pregnant." In 2004, Ledesma took a break from politics after he married the movie star.

Ledesma wrapped an arm around his wife's waist and leaned his face against her shoulder as Provincial Election Officer Jessie Suarez announced that he had won with 63,153 votes against incumbent Rep. Tranquilino Carmona (NPC) who garnered 49,065 votes. Also proclaimed yesterday were the winning board members of the first district Nehemias de la Cruz (NPC-UNA) who garnered 61,725 votes and Renato Gustilo (Lakas CMD) who had 46,927 votes.

They were accompanied by San Carlos Mayor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Escalante Mayor-elect Melecio Yap.

Ledesma said his priority is the San Carlos airport because it is necessary for the development of the first district as an agro-industrial area and for its eco-tourism thrust.

Cementing the airport will cost another P250 to P300 million and we can do it in one year if we have the money, he said.

Mayor Lacson said he was excited about Ledesma's winning because he has "committed himself to help us in the completion of our community airport."

Ledesma said also in the pipeline is the setting up of an area for a retirement community and development of Don Salvador Benedicto as the summer capital of Negros Occidental.

Economic activity is the key to progress, he said.

The solon said his goal for Calatrava is to have it converted into in city, while they will continue the programs started in Escalante.

He also said he will meet with the mayor of Toboso to find out what his priorities are.

His legislative agenda, Ledesma said, will be on economic reforms. He would like to fast-track the Electric Power Industry Reform Act and other structural bills that are necessary to promote economic activity in the country, he said.

De la Cruz said he will work for the building of vocational schools in the countryside considering that 95 percent of high school graduates in those areas can not go to college.

Vocational schools will give people in the countryside alternatives, because when they obtain skills they will even have chances to work abroad, de la Cruz said.

Gustilo said he will ask the governor to increase the scholarship program of Negros Occidental and for help in the maintenance of mountain barangay roads.

Escalante mayor-elect Yap said his priority is the upliftment of the lives of the people of Escalante and to continue all the infrastructure projects of Mayor Santiago Barcelona.*CPG

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