New Albay solon eyes power modernization, improved water services

POLANGUI, Albay -- Newly elected Albay 3rd District Rep. Raymond Adrian Salceda has pledged to prioritize the modernization of the Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco), which residents contend hinders the province's progress despite its significant renewable energy potential.

Salceda also vowed to address the persistent issue of water scarcity in many areas of his district and work towards modernizing agriculture, the primary source of livelihood for his constituents.

He stated his intention to attract substantial state investments in tourism infrastructure and facilities, as well as programs promoting agro-ecotourism in Ligao City.

"We will push to make Ligao a modern city," he said in an interview, noting his plan to establish his district office in Ligao, which is centrally located within the Third District.

Salceda also committed to implementing quality projects to resolve flooding problems that have long plagued farmers whose farmlands are frequently inundated during typhoon season, particularly in the towns of Oas, Polangui, and Libon.

He believes these developments will contribute to the full internationalization of the Bicol International Airport (BIA) operations in Daraga town, a key priority under the Global Albay program plan initiated by his father, outgoing Second District Rep. Joey Salceda.

"The success of the BIA will also be the success of my district, and the entire province," said Salceda, the outgoing Polangui mayor and president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Albay Chapter.

Salceda's campaign was based on his HEART 4S platform, a strategy that previously brought success to Polangui, focusing on Health, Education, Agriculture, Rural Infrastructure, and Tourism, Trade and Transportation. Its 4S component includes Social Services, Senior Citizens and Solo Parents, Small and Micro Enterprises, and Sports and Youth Development.

However, his immediate priority is the modernization of Aleco. To achieve this, Salceda committed to helping establish one substation in every municipality across the province, starting with his district, to prevent a fault in one town from affecting neighboring areas.

Salceda also mentioned the need to negotiate with the Philippine Geothermal Production Company and the Energy Development Corporation for microgrids in Tiwi and Manito, respectively. Several substations in Camalig, Daraga, Santo Domingo, and Rapu-rapu were previously erected by his father.