SHOULD he get reelected, Senator Richard Gordon gave assurances that Mindanao will not be left behind in the pursuit of progress.

Gordon, who visited the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon as a guest senatorial candidate of the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem, envisions the area as a major Regional Investment and Infrastructure Coordinating Hub or RICH.

Gordon filed the RICH bill with Central Luzon targeted as a pilot area in the 17th Congress.

The measure aims to set up several hubs encompassing commerce, agriculture, education, government and transportation in several areas across the country, including Cagayan de Oro in Northern Mindanao.

“Having a hub in Cagayan de Oro with the seaport and airport will allow you to bring produce all over the world, not just here. So, it’s important that we have a masterplan, I’m sure you have one here,” Gordon said.

“Everybody wanted to have one. I’m planning one in Negros, planning one in Panay Island, certainly in Cagayan de Oro as well,” he added.

He cited the area’s robust environment, with fresh produce from Bukidnon, a seaport, and the Laguindingan Airport nearby, where it could export its produce.

Aside from the RICH hub, Gordon said that he is also pushing for the development of Lake Lanao, akin to Laguna de Bay, through the establishment of a government corporation.

“Maasahan ninyo ang tulong ng Senado. Eventually, iyong Lake Lanao Development Authority, magiging parang Switzerland ng Asia,” he said. “Dapat ang airport sa Balo-i ay ma-develop, kung gagawin iyon. Kailangan may vision.”