
San Fernando, La Union — "May Isang Salita is what my father has imparted to me, and it is now my tagline as I seek a position in the senate."
This was the statement made by senatorial candidate Luis "Manong Chavit" Singson during a press conference held here on Friday evening.
He said this reflects his personality and truthfulness in his words, emphasizing that he never goes back on his word once given.
"To me, having credibility is important, and I will take my father's teaching to heart," he said.
Manong Chavit was joined by his daughter, Congresswoman Richelle Singson, La Union Vice Governor Mario Ortega, and La Union 1st District Congressman and House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega during the press conference.
During the event, Manong Chavit cited unemployment as his motivation for running for senator, adding that he aims to push for the creation of economic zones in every province in the country, including La Union.
He explained that establishing economic zones would provide Filipinos with more opportunities to secure jobs without having to leave the country.
By enticing foreign companies to invest in these economic zones, he said, job opportunities would increase, reducing the unemployment rate nationwide.
During his visits to various provinces, Manong Chavit observed a significant number of unemployed Filipinos who are seeking steady employment rather than relying on dole-outs.
He noted that he has established two economic zones in South Korea, which not only provide work but also create opportunities to produce products that can become brand names, making the areas popular and attractive to foreign investors.
Renowned for its historical destinations, Region I, or the Ilocos Region, encompasses the northwestern coast of Luzon island.
Singson envisions making the region an industrialized area that complements its historical sites.
He aims to ensure that unemployed residents of the region will have jobs, driving the economic development of the Ilocos Region and positioning it as a bastion of economic opportunities in the country.
Singson further detailed his plans to modernize the country, emphasizing the importance of electric vehicles and financial transparency.
“I will finance LGUs to shift to electric vehicles,” said Singson, highlighting his vision to modernize transportation while reducing the country’s carbon footprint.
He also introduced VBank, a digital banking platform designed to empower local government units through financial inclusion and efficient governance.
Singson reiterated his strong stance against pork barrel allocations, stating, “I am not in favor of pork barrel since it attracts graft and corruption.”
These initiatives underscore Singson’s commitment to fiscal accountability, innovation, and sustainability, reinforcing his pledge to bring meaningful change to the nation.