ALL-IN-ONE. The Malasakit Hall of the Butuan Airport in the Caraga Region formally opens on Thursday (Aug. 5, 2021). Another project of the Department of Transportation, it is a one-stop shop for passengers with a clinic for minor emergencies, childcare room for breastfeeding and other purposes, lounge, prayer room, and food and souvenir stalls. (Photo courtesy of DOTR)
BUTUAN CITY – Department of Transportation (DOTr) projects occupy Secretary Arthur Tugade’s mind, not the 2022 elections.
His focus is on the completion of the projects of President Rodrigo Duterte, he told reporters in a press conference here on Thursday when he led the unveiling of major airport and seaport development works in the Caraga Region.
Among the projects he opened were the completed asphalt overlay of the runway, improved terminal area, and the one-stop service center for passengers called Malasakit Hall at the Butuan Airport, and the improvement and expansion of the Cantilan Port in Surigao del Sur.
“Just wait for my official announcement,” Tugade said.
In his Talk to the People on July 28, Duterte encouraged Tugade to consider joining the 2022 senatorial race even if it means losing a competent public servant once he steps down from DOTr.
Tugade said he is still weighing things as he continues to oversee the ongoing programs and projects under the DOTr.
Land Transportation Office-Caraga Regional Director Nordy Plaza said Tugade has all the characteristics to become a first-rate senator.
“Sec. Tugade is a product of the San Beda College of Law and graduated magna cum laude. He is among the hardworking members of the Cabinet of the Duterte administration. Based on his background, in my opinion, he will be a good asset to Filipinos in the Senate,” Plaza told the Philippine News Agency, also on Thursday. (PNA)
