LEGAZPI CITY, May 2 -- Ako Bicol (AKB) Party List Representative Elizaldy Co on Tuesday expressed optimism of securing the necessary project fund to build a cruise ship port here.

Co, chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, underscored the importance of investing in infrastructure, such as a new port, to boost the tourism industry and generate more employment opportunities for the locals.

"Department of Public Work and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan and I had the opportunity to speak just last week. We are hoping to secure the release of the funding for the project. Our goal is to complete one of the biggest international cruise ship terminals in the eastern Pacific before the President steps down. This will cater to th...