Cayetano: Laguna is a province of potential

In a separate interview following the summit, Cayetano underscored the vast potential of Laguna, citing the province’s people and natural resources—particularly Laguna Lake—as among its most underutilized assets.

“Laguna is a province of potential. Name anything—your people, doctors, nurses, farmers, hotel workers. Tourism, agriculture—mayaman ang probinsya,” Cayetano said.

A long-time advocate of Laguna Lake’s development, Cayetano urged Governor Marisol “Sol” Aragones to work closely with stakeholders to pursue a comprehensive and sustainable development plan for the lake.

“Isang agenda ko kay Governor Sol ay magkaisa tayo na may mangyari sa Laguna Lake. Malaki talaga ang potential nito, pero kailangan ng resources at tamang administrasyon,” he said.

The senator noted that the government should consider conducting further studies and possibly strengthening the mandate of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), suggesting a model similar to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

“Baka kailangan ng bagong batas para sa LLDA para mas lumawak ang kakayahan nito sa development,” he added.

Discerning Laguna’s purpose

Cayetano also urged Laguna residents and leaders to discern the province’s purpose, noting that understanding its role would make development planning more effective.

“I-align sa purpose ni Lord. Kapag na-discover mo ang purpose, mas madali ang planning,” he said, likening development to following the natural flow of a river.

He expressed confidence in Governor Aragones’ leadership, citing her background as a former journalist and lawmaker as assets in governing the province.

Cayetano encouraged local government units to remain focused on essential services despite national-level political noise.

“Habang ang ingay ay nasa national, ang gumagalaw ay governors, mayors, at barangay captains. Hindi maghihintay ang kalusugan, edukasyon, kalinisan, at agrikultura,” he said.

Governor Aragones thanked Cayetano for attending the summit and acknowledged their longstanding friendship.

“Maraming salamat po kay Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. Isa siyang kaibigan at mentor na naging biyaya ng Panginoon hindi lang sa akin kundi sa lalawigan ng Laguna,” the governor said.