TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) -- Following the enactment of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) into law, Senator Mark Villar is optimistic that it will pave the way for economic development, create more jobs, and help accelerate spending on the government’s infrastructure programs.

“Sa first year ko po sa senate, una naipasa na natin ang Maharlika bill na makakatulong po sa pag-angat ng ating ekonomiya, magkakaroon po tayo ng karagdagang pondo para mag-invest ng mga infrastructure projects at makakatulong sa pag-generate ng trabaho para sa ating mga kabababayan,” Villar said in an interview at the Tacloban DZR Airport recently.

Villar, who served as guest of honor and speaker during the 23rd Charter Day celebration of Maasin City, was the one who filed Senate Bill No. 2020 which created the Maharlika Investment Fund.

Although he is no longer the DPWH Secretary, Villar vowed to help in whatever way he can in order to hasten the implementation of the infrastructure projects.

“Siyempre marami tayong nasimulan noong ako po ay secretary, gusto ko pa rin tumulong para mapabilis ang mga infrastructure projects. Sa tingin ko kasi kailangan  natin ang continuity sa mga infra projects at nakikita ko naman maganda dahil continuous ang implementation ng mga infra projects so yun, gagawin ko ang lahat bilang senador para siguraduhin na walang tigil ang momentum ng ating infrastructure,” Villar added.

When asked by the local media as to the safeguards of the law, he reiterated that the Maharlika Investment Fund has enough safety measures to ensure that the goals of the government will be achieved.

“Marami po tayong ginawang amendments para madagdagan ang mga safety measures. Ngayon po, marami po ang mga safety measures ng Maharlika at ako naman po confident ako na magiging matagumpay ito at makakatulong sa ating ekonomiya at makakapag-generate ng maraming trabaho para sa ating mga kababayan,” Villar said.

Once implemented, it is expected to generate 350,000 jobs nationwide. (MMP/CBA/PIA-8)