ILOILO CITY, July 22 -- Political leaders in Iloilo and Guimaras are hoping President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will highlight infrastructure development, agriculture, poverty reduction and local government programs in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said Wednesday he expects the president to discuss ways to accelerate major infrastructure and agriculture projects, which he described as key drivers of economic growth.

"I've been listening to the SONA; really, the main event is the infrastructure component because the President knows that is our economic driver," Defensor said during a press conference.

He specifically hopes Marcos will mention the Iloilo-Capiz-Aklan Expressway Project ...