Iligan City Council take steps towards development

By Jac Macatimbol

Iligan City public officials & government employees attended Flag raising ceremony at City hall amphi theater,July 18, 2016

ILIGAN CITY – In the 2^nd flag raising ceremony of the new administration,  July 18, 2016, majority of the department heads and city officials as well as the employees were present. Highlights of the messages were the news and updates of the department heads in their first week of public service in the new administration.

City Councilor Jake Balanay gave updates on Solid Waste Management. Accordingly, together with Vice Mayor Jemar Vera Cruz, they visited Cebu City to check the acquisition of dump Trucks for garbage collection. There will be 2 dump trucks will arrive this month and the rest will be next month of August. Balanay said that this effort will resolve problems on garbage around the City.

On the other hand Councilor Hon. Ian Uy head of the Committee on Police, Peace and Order and Disaster Risk Reduction Management said, “Ang programa sa atong Pres. Duterte aligned pud sa kagustohan sa atong halangdon Mayor Celso Gomera Regencia na mahitabo diri sa atong syudad, ilang gitutokan ang pagbatok sa druga/ illegal drugs.” He further elaborated that the supplemental budget worth 10 Million for acquisition of additional Police Patrol Cars was approved. He proposed an additional force for PNP to do their regular patrols and ensure the security and safety of the people of Iligan City. Concerning on illegal drugs, Uy said from July 1 to 14, there are 3,148 individuals surrendered as a result of the campaign “OPLAN TOK-TOK HANGYO”, 47 of which have admitted drug pushers. Uy said that drug rehabilitation centers are offered to help accommodate those who desire to undergo rehabilitation.

Aerial view of Iligan city hall amphi theater

Furthermore, an armed group, Gorilla Front 68, from Bukidnon entered Rogongon premises and fortunately the Philippine Military in cooperation with the Philippine National Police were able to fend off the area from the armed group back to their tracks. “Naa silay threat sa atong syudad, atong paningkamotan nga dili gyud sila makahimo ug kadaut”, said Councilor Uy.

Councilor Hon. Sorille Bacsarpa, head of Committee on Tourism did ocular visit and inspection of areas and historical spots around the City to assess and identify what needs to be done and improve. This week they will be visiting Tinago Falls for the planned improvements which will accordingly need a big budget but “we will work based on the available resources”, said Councilor Bacsarpa.

City Councilor Randy Francis Ong, Chair Committee on Information, Communication and Technology (CICT) cited the importance to have this committee wherein the former Pres. Aquino filed the bill creating the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT) and Councilor Ong sees it fitting to have an ICT committee here in Iligan city council. Most importantly there has been initial talk with DICT and Atty. Sumaoy regarding the computerize system of service delivery and salary on all departments to avoid clatter delivery of services. Initial talk with City Hospital Doctors and Staff regarding computerization of the whole system to avoid or minimize corruption. Lastly improvement of CCT Cameras around the City, to upgrade or purchase new one which is a very good help to peace and order, and disaster prevention.

Committee on Traffic and Transportation headed by Councilor Hon. Eric Capitan, it is a new committee detached from the Peace and Order Committee. This was done to give attention on traffic problem, encourages traffic enforces to strictly implemented and observe traffic laws in the street of Iligan. Councilor Capitan said, “dili excuse na kulang ta og tawo, maskin isa lang ka traffic enforcer basta gamita lang ang ball pen og citation ticket mahadlok na kana”. He stressed that the people must be educated on the proper traffic rules because it might lead into chaos especially on the coming fiesta.

City Administrator Atty. Dexter Rey Sumaoy expressed his gratitude and highlighted the big contribution of the department heads for their accomplished task. “Ang City Administration office sa pagkakaron medyo nakuhaon na gyud og tunok, pinaagi sa mga committee chairman naa nay moala-lay sa City Administration's office, karon makita na gayud nato ang kausaban.”

Vice Mayor Jemar Vera Cruz, on his message said, “We are here to serve our people, the people of Iligan. To make our public service efficient, it should be quality, fast and done with tender love and care”. Vera Cruz emphasized that public service should be motivated and done out of love, not just to earn money.

Representing the City Mayor’s Office, Chief of Staff Atty. Rafael Benidectos, Jr. in his message reminded that he will be delivering information for all in behalf of the City Mayor Celso Regencia. He elaborated that there is an obligated amount to pay employees under Job Orders to be given attention.