Tuguegarao City—Former Cagayan Gov. Melvin P. Vargas Sr. is running for congressman of the second district here, more than two decades after he left politics to become a businessman and contractor.
Vargas on Thursday said the district “needs a better fiscal administration by putting priority to projects that will address greater societal problems.”
Apart from his thrust to improve Cagayan’s road networks and infrastructure, he said he sees the necessity of assisting the livelihood program in the second district owing to the “slow pace” of development under the present congressional representation.
The incumbent, 2nd District Rep. Baby Aline Vargas-Alfonso, is finishing her third consecutive term and cannot run for reelection under law.
Vargas, who was officer-in-charge governor from Jan. 18, 1990 to March 24, 1992, said he had long been thinking of returning to politics. His son, Melvin Jr., is the current Vice Governor.
Melvin Sr. said he started young in his desire to serve the public. The second district will have “a more effective leader” in his person as he is more capable and experienced both in politics and governance, he asserted.
The elder Vargas was also inspired by his desire “to make the towns of the second district more progressive than they ever were.”
Even out of public office, Melvin Sr. had been actively extending help to the people of the second district, travelling abroad at his own expense to raise funds for fellow Cagayanos. He has also been conducting medical missions, event sponsorships, and extending financial assistance and scholarships using the proceeds from his business.
“I want to focus on problems that have the most significant effects on Cagayanos. We should spend the government’s money well, and ensure projects are done well and without corruption,” he said.
Aside from better road networks and infrastructure, Melvin Sr. said his administration will offer more livelihood projects to poor families to offset the rising prices of goods and services.
It is also important to support the less fortunate youth with a chance at education by offering them scholarships, he added.
Melvin Sr. noted he was the first Cagayan governor to provide scholarships to Cagayano students.