ILOILO CITY – The memoir of former Senate President Franklin M. Drilon has an entire chapter on his role in the contemporary development of the city and province of Iloilo.

“This is (about) my life and my 34 years in government. A major portion of this book is about Iloilo and what we have done here,” Drilon said.

In the 254-page “Being Frank: A Memoir,” Chapter 5 is titled “Putting Iloilo on the Map: Senate president in the Morning, district engineer by afternoon.”

Born and raised in Iloilo City, Drilon has often been credited for bringing big ticket projects that helped shape the city and province for almost two decades.

Among them is facilitating the construction of the new Iloilo International Airport, the mega dam project known as the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project-Stage II (JRMP-II), the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON), expansion of the Diversion Road, the river park project known as Esplanade, and the bike lanes.

Drilon was also instrumental in bringing in new investors, including Megaworld Corp., as well as the expansion of investments by SM Prime Holdings and Ayala Corp.

Aside from public and private infrastructure projects, Drilon was also instrumental in improving the arts and culture with the various projects.

“History and destiny converged in the new Iloilo and I have never been prouder son,” wrote Drilon.

“I have only the deepest affection for my hometown and its people. I was born with no privilege and no power – only a modest and honest life that taught me the value of hard work. From those humble beginnings, I rose to achieve professional success and positions, leaving Iloilo for broader horizons on the national and global stage,” added Drilon in his memoir.