Manila, Feb. 20 -- Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidate Benjamin Abalos Jr. has vowed to support tourism development in Negros Oriental province.

In a press conference in Dumaguete City, the former Interior and Local Government chief said he backs the construction of the PHP17 billion new Dumaguete City Airport that the national government plans to build in Bacong town.

"I will support the development -it will serve not only Negros Oriental but likewise Occidental and even parts of Siquijor at dumadami na ang turista ngayon (where tourists are increasing)," he said.

Abalos said this would boost development in the area, especially now that pull for tourists is easier with improved peace and order.

"You got one of the g...