MAYOR'S ADDRESS TO THE SANGGUNIAN AND MAASINHONS

MAYOR'S ADDRESS TO THE SANGGUNIAN AND MAASINHONS

Exactly 2088 days ago today, I assumed as City Mayor of Maasin.  I had a majority of only 898 votes with the incumbent governor at that time as my opponent.  The 13 point agenda was my main program of governance.    After 3 years, I was reelected with the same opponent by a majority of 12,763 votes.

My address is also called 13-13-13.  The report of the accomplishments of the 13 point agenda last year and some after two terms as a launching pad of our reelection come May 13, 2013.

MARKET AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT

During our second term of office, most particularly starting year 2011, big businesses started to open in Maasin.  Prince Maasin, Metro Hi-Per Maasin, J&F Department Store, Brodeth One Stop Shop (BOSS), Manaya Land Holdings, and a bigger Novo Department Store began to establish commercial stores, employing hundreds and hundreds of workers.  These workers stay in boarding houses, eat in small eateries, ride on motorcabs and multicabs, and buy fruits and vegetables, fish and meat, making the economy livelier.  This is evidenced by the number of business licenses which increase by the hundreds.

We have transferred the Market to the new site at the reclamation area, more spacious and near the bus and jeepney terminal.  We have constructed the wet market, market stalls, barbeque stalls, Bagsakan Center, and department store.  Soon to rise will be new eatery and fruit stalls.  We have arranged the construction of additional commercial buildings and reclamation area expansion through the Public Private Partnership Program.

As a result, our tax collections increased from P51,633,048.44 to P53,317,966.86 an increase of P1,684,918.42.  There is an increase of P44,350,580 in the assessed value of the real properties in the city. 

Private entrepreneurs constructed more commercial buildings in private lots.  This is a solid proof of investor confidence in the city.  Prices of basic commodities, especially groceries went down and the consumers are happy.

Maasin Atong Siyudad Atong Mahalon Presyo Atong Baratohon!

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

Last year we have produced a total of 2,032 hectares planted with rice producing 5,794 metric tons.  We have planted 75 hectares of corn producing 139 metric tons. 

At the Bagsakan Center, 24 metric tons of agri products were procured.  A total of P428,374 were sold producing a net profit of P55,422.

For the program Management Inputs for Agricultural Networking (MIAN), 10 hectares were planted with vegetables by 32 farmer cooperators.  

For the program Moving Ahead through Sustainable Agriculture in Maasin (MASAM), we have distributed 764 layer chicken to 12 cooperators.  The total income last year from layer chicken at the city nursery was P181,100.

There were 33 piglets distributed last year with an income of P74,000.  For the tilapia at city forest park, the income was P10,175.

The City Nursery has produced an income of P82,954 from the sale of fruits, vegetables and vermicast. 

We have provided technical assistance in crops and animal production.  This resulted to the produce of 30 hectares of legumes, 134 has of cassava, 286 has of camote, 212 has of gabi, 81 has of vegetables, 545 has of banana, and 50 has of coffee.

For our brontispa control, we have distributed 23 liters of pesticides to 913 coconut farmers with 21,343 coconut trees treated. 

For animal production, we have dewormed and vaccinated 95 carabaos, 110 cattle, 153 swine, 10 goats, and 2,927 dogs.   We have treated 115 carabaos, 58 cattle, 228 swine, 31 goats, and 1,469 poultry.

We have conducted Pabulhon Festival Agri-Aqua Fair every Fiesta and Charter day and participated in the Provincial Agri-Aqua Fair every July 1 Anniversary. 

LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE

Contrary to what our political detractors say, we have livelihood programs in Maasin City.  Self-employment assistance kaunlaran (SEA-K) in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Starter Kits and Negosyo sa Kariton (Nego-kart) in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment.

At the first batch of the Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Maasin City was not included because of our very low poverty incidence.  But I appealed to DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman when we met in Ormoc City, that Maasin will be included in the 4Ps program.  Thanks to the good Secretary and with the approval of President Aquino, the following year, Maasin was included in the beneficiaries of his flagship program for the poor.

We have small scale fishing project to 48 beneficiaries.  Rural Improvement Clubs also received enterprise development on food trades, handicrafts, cutflowers and ornamentals, and flower wedding arrangement.

For our animal dispersal program, we have dispersed 68 carabaos, 155 cattle, 1,151 swine, and 16 goats.

We have livelihood programs through the City Agriculture and Fisheries Council (CAFC), City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC), Farmers Federation, Rural Improvement Clubs, and 4H Clubs.   

We have activated the Maasin City Cooperative Development Council with yours truly the chairman and we have brought 50 cooperative members for training at Lamac Multi Purpose Cooperative, the national cooperative champion and internationally recognized coop in Pinamungajan, Cebu.   

We have given burial assistance, shelter assistance and food and medicine assistance to indigent constituents. 

We have issued 2,242 OSCA cards to senior citizens who have availed of discounts in medicines and groceries.  We have made also senior citizens lanes to give easy access to our lolos and lolas in paying their bills. 

We have also assisted persons with disabilities let them feel like normal persons.    

The Office of the City Civil Registrar conducted free registration of birth during the month of February.   

ORDERLINESS AND PEACE PROMOTION

Our city is still the most peaceful city in Eastern Visayas.  I can afford to walk and jog around Maasin City streets without a bodyguard.  Our Philippine National Police Maasin City Station was awarded the most outstanding city police station in region 8. 

We have established a new police substation at Barangay Tawid which curbs criminality in the Guadalupe Parish area.  We are now proposing the establishment of another PNP Substation in Ibarra Parish Area.

We have strengthened our Disaster Preparedness Programs and activated our City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.  We train our very own Maasin City Rescue Team.  We make it available for possible rescue to other LGUs who will need our help.  Our CDRRMC office is undergoing construction at the right side of the main entrance of the City Gym beside the Liga ng mga Barangay Office.

Our Rescue Team has excelled in two regional rescue jamborees participated and is the champion in Southern Leyte.

We activated the Reservists in Maasin City and we were awarded the reserve rank of Major in the Philippine Army, a Major Mayor.  A new company is organized in Maasin and we are on the process of establishing a new battalion of reservists in the city.  This will help our efforts in maintaining peace and order, specializing anti-drugs, anti-insurgency, and disaster preparedness. 

We were awarded by the Bureau of Fire Protection Central Office for donating the rescue ambulance, and another recognition for donating rescue equipments, and for donating the lot where the BFP City Fire Station is situated.

We have also donated a lot for the location of a new Maasin City Jail for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology at Barangay Libhu.

We activated the Barangay Intelligence Network and trained our Barangay Tanods. 

Our traffic enforcers conducted seminars to 1,067 motorcab and potpot drivers last year and put up a traffic light system near the Plaza. 

NUTRITION AND HEALTH SERVICES

Maasin City is a multi-awarded city in terms of Health and Nutrition in the national and regional level.  We won the Red Orchids Award on Anti-Smoking Campaign sponsored by the World Health Organization, Department of Health and Bloomberg Foundation for three consecutive years.  We garnered the Red Orchid in 2010, 2011, and 2012 making us a Hall of Famer, one of the only five LGUs who won the prestigious recognition which include Davao City, Legaspi City, Calauag in Quezon, Talisayan in Misamis Oriental and Maasin City.

Maasin City is the number one city in the region in terms of nutrition and is the only city awardee for its First Maintenance of the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutirtion (CROWN) last year by the National Nutrition Council graced by no less than President Aquino.   

In the regional level, we are the Best Performing City Barangay Health Workers Federation, Best Performing City in Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS), Road Traffic Injury Prevention Program, and the Best Implementer in Orally-Fit Child Day Care Center in Asuncion.  We have been awarded also as the Best City in Anti-Rabbies, Anti-Leprosy and Anti-TB programs.   

We gave free toothpastes and toothbrushes and handwashing soaps to all elementary pupils in the schools of Maasin City Division.

We were awarded the Urban Health Champion in 2010 by the World Health Organization through our Healthy Lifestyle Program.   We are recognized as part of the 1000 Cities 1000 Lives of the WHO.

We have hataw exrecises, fun runs, smoking cessation seminars, free consultations in all health facilities, and basic life support trainings.

We have distributed vegetable seeds, seedlings, and cuttings to 418 families of school children who are underweight.  We have established fruit and vegetable gardens in 61 schools, 418 homes and 70 barangay communities.  We have distributed poultry and livestock to 50 families with malnourish children. 

There were 2,463 indigent beneficiaries of PhilHealth cards from the provincial and city government. 

 
EDUCATION FOR THE MASSES

We were ale to establish the following new schools in coordination with the Department of Education and using mostly funds from the city government:

Lunas Elementary School Extension at Sitio Canlugok
Maria Clara Elementary School Extension at Barangay Pasay
Ibarra National High School
Lunas National High School
Hinapu Daku National High School
Matin-aw National High School

Ibarra National High School has produced its first batch of graduates last year.  It is a national awardee and regional winner of the Brigada Eskwela program secondary school category of the DepEd.

We are now processing the documents for the creation of Asuncion Integrated School in Barangay Asuncion.  A high school in Asuncion would mean less out of school youth and less minor offenders in the second most populous barangay in the city. 

We are also on the process of lot donation for a national high school at Basak and Lonoy at Sitio Nagtuhob. 

We have established the Maasin City College when we first assume as City Mayor in our first term in 2007.  We have offered Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and Bachelor of Science in Tourism. 

We are processing the requirements of vocational technical courses such as welding, plumbing, carpentry, agriculture, and tour guiding. The instructors have undergone series of trainings and examinations by TESDA. 

We are on the process of converting San Rafael Barangay Market into an extension campus for MCC VOCTECH courses so that students from the upland barangays have access to these short courses. 

The third floor of the MCC building is now on going construction and will soon house the Audio Visual Room, hotel rooms and dormitories for tourism, and additional classrooms.  Against all odds MCC is growing to become not only a center for quality yet affordable education for the masses, but will soon become a center for health and ecology.  MCC is awarded the most outstanding smoke-free college in the whole region.  Soon we will be competing as the most eco-friendly college in the whole Eastern Visayas.

We have produced a total of 511 graduates in four commencement exercises.  We have 2 magna cum laudes and 8 cum laudes with very high standards.  This coming April 18 will be our 5th Commencement Exercises with 149 candidates for graduation.   We have 2 board passers as licensed agriculturists in Agnes Dicen and Melvin Ablon.

MCC students were champions during the 1st Inter-Collegiate Quiz Bowl held last Charter Day celebration. 

And if it is not enough, we are the only city mayor, college president, and classroom instructor rolled into one.  Only in Maasin City College.

Kadtong mga politico nga misaway sa Maasin City College ato silang ilansang karong Mayo 13!

I am also helping the private colleges in Maasin City.  For almost 30 years now, I am still teaching in Saint Joseph College Civil Engineering Department of which I was once a dean.  We helped produce more than 500 licensed civil engineers from SJC, including five board topnotchers.

We are the only incumbent mayor teaching as a classroom instructor in the entire country.  And to set an example, all my three sons are enrolled in the private colleges of Maasin.  Mallory, a graduate of nursing and Marton a graduating nursing student at the College of Maasin, and Marlon, a fourth year engineering student of SJC.  And I am very proud to say that I am a product of Saint Joseph College as a civil engineer and as a Master in Business Administration. We want to show to the whole world that Maasin has good quality schools at par with the colleges and universities in the entire Philippines. 


YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

As Chairman of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Southern Leyte Council, we champion the activation of scouting for youth development.  Southern Leyte Council is now third overall in performance in the Eastern Visayas Scouting Region to include regions 7 & 8, behind only Bohol and Cebu. 

Southern Leyte is the only third council in the region to host a national scouting activity, the others being Cebu and Leyte.  The 7th BSP National Rover Moot in Maasin City last 2007 was the first national youth activity to be held in Southern Leyte.  Provinces and cities from Cagayan in the north to Tawitawi in the south gathered at the City Forest Park, with more than 1200 participants, the second biggest Rover Moot in scouting history.

The Sangguniang Kabataan was given opportunity to develop their potentials thru Rover Scouting, Gawad Kalinga, Anti-Drug Campaign, Working Youth Programs, Green Brigade, Feeding and Nutrition Activities, Solid Waste Management, Diocesan Youth Programs, Anti-smoking and Healthy City Volunteers, Music, Arts and Culture Promotion, and SPES Summer Job Programs.

Every year we have conducted the Alay Lakad and through the Alay Lakad foundation we have sponsored shcolarships to out of school youths, some of them have graduated already.

A total of 120 out of school youth were beneficiaries of the Government Internship program from the DSWD Regional Office.

We have involved the youth of Maasin in fun runs, feeding programs, cleanup drives, health and sanitation campaigns, anti-drug and anti-smoking campaigns, and recycling and tree planting. 

SPORTS EXCELLENCE

Maasin City became the host of the 2013 National Boxing Championships, the first time Region 8 hosted such a prestigious national sporting event.  It placed the Philippines in the sporting map of the country with national media coverage.  Maasin City boxers won 1 gold medal courtesy of Ruby Nicanor, who will now be included in the women's national training pool in Baguio City, 3 silver medals by Daryl Ramos, Richard Bacala, and Michael Kaibigan, and a bronze medal by Jason Entia.  Maasin City placed sixth overall in the entire Philippines behind Davao del Norte, Bago City, Misamis Oriental, General Santos City, and Mandaue City.  And we are number one in the Eastern Visayas Region.

We have produced two professional boxers who are national champions:  the late Alex Aroy of Maria Clara, Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) light-flyweight champion, and Adonis Aguelo of Matin-aw, PBF super bantamweight and PBF featherweight champion.  Jason Pagara of Lib-og is now World Boxing Organization international welterweight champion and brother Albert Pagara is now rated number three contender in the Orient Pacific Boxing Federation featherweight division. 

Every month we are the recipient of the Summit Amateur Boxing Fight Night program granted by ALA Gym, the only other recipients being Cebu, Dumaguete and Tagbilaran.  Soon we will be having the Cobra-ALA professional fights every month.  That's how popular Maasin is in the field of boxing.

We have produced two Palarong Pambansa gold medalists in swimming.  Edison Pacsa won a gold in the 50 meter breaststroke in Puerto Princesa in 2008.  Christian Salud won the gold of the same event in Lingayen, Pangasinan in 2012.

Mary Joy Calapre and Angelica Baluran  won the gold medal in lawn tennis in the National Batang Pinoy in Naga City in 2011.  They could have easily won again in Iloilo City last year but their trip was aborted by the typhoon.    

For the first time, we have hosted the 2013 Regional Paralympics for athletes with disabilities.  It was the first time Maasin City participated in such an event for differently abled athletes.  But Maasin got the overall championship besting other cities and provinces in the region.

We have invited PBA legends Alvin Patrimonio, Johnny Abarrientos, Bonel Balingit, Vince Hizon, Nelson Asaytono, Bong Hawkins and other former PBA superstars to play in Maasin.   

The Maasin City Gymnasium is undergoing additional construction.  We have hosted EVRAA 2012 and is planning to co-host EVRAA again in 2015 with the Province as the main host.

 We are the only mayor sportswriter in the country today.  We are writing for philboxing.com, an internationally known boxing website.  Our co-writers are Manny Pacquiao, Gerry Penalosa, Ronnie Nathanielsz, Recah Trinidad, Sev Sarmienta, Manny Pinol, Salven Lagumbay, among others.  We are the newly inducted member of the very popular Sports Communicators Organization of the Philippines (SCOOP).  And we were recognized by a panel of Filipino NBA sportswriters now based in the United States, led by Homer Sayson, whose grandfather hails from Dongon. 

My detractors say the mayor is concentrating on Sports.  They are correct because I consider Sports as a venue for youth empowerment, sports for tourism promotion, sports for economic development, sports for anti-drug campaign, sports for livelihood, sports for healthy lifestyle, sports as a complement for education, and sports for overall barangay development because of the gymnasiums.  And when they say the mayor is concentrating "only" in sports, they are terribly wrong. 

Sport lang ta ha, way below the belt.

ANTI-ILLEGAL DRUG CAMPAIGN

Our campaign is primarily against the most common legal addictive drug, and that's the cigarette.  In Maasin, we consider smoking as a form of addiction.  While marijuana is medicinal, it is banned because of its addictive nature.  And smoking is considered a habit forming vice, bad for the health, bad for the pocket, and bad for the future of our children.

Smoking is considered as the first step towards drug addiction.  We have promoted the No Smoking Home, Blue Ribbon award to smoke free private establishments, and conducted a search for Outstanding Smoke-Free Barangays or the Barangay Red Orchid Awards. 

The PNP is waging an all-out campaign against illegal drugs, such as marijuana, shabu, and rugby.  Most of the inmates at the city jail have all illegal drug-related cases.

We tap the assistance of the Citizens Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANO) which as of now has more than 800 members.  We have also organized the New Guardians for Freedom and Democracy, Inc. (NGI) which has more than 1000 members.  Both groups are helping us Making Maasin Smoke Fee and Drug Free City.

Massive drug education campaign is done in all national high schools, private schools and the Maasin City College.  We also have the support of the Sangguniang Kabataan, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, Philippine National Red Cross, and other socio-civic and religious organizations. 

MANGROVE, FOREST AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

We support Congressman Roger Mercado's "One Man One Tree Can Make A Forest."  Last year we have a newly planted area of 5 hectares in the City Forest Park.  We have distributed 3,230 forest tree seedlings.  The total area maintained at Camp Danao is 320 hectares of forest land.

We have a joint undertaking by the GIZ and the DENR called Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) Plus Program.  We have planted 92 hectares of reforestation and 127 hectares of agroforestry in 13 barangays. 

Maasin has the longest coastal line of mangroves in the entire Region 8.  Mangrove plantation and rehabilitation is ongoing in Lib-og, Badiang, Manhilo, Mahayahay, Santo Rosario, Guadalupe, Cabulihan, and Bilibol.  We have maintained 4.3 hectares of mangrove areas in Maasin.

During the Search for the Champion of the Seas given by the Provincial Government last July 1, we were awarded the Best Mangrove Greenbelt Project, the Best Fishery Law Enforcement Team and the Best Agricultural Technician for Fisheries.

 

In 2009, I was a beneficiary of a study tour to Germany together with other city mayors and officials.  The cities invited were also beneficiaries of the SWM4LGUs Project of the GTZ.  The travel expenses including plane tickets, hotel meals, and allowances were shouldered by GTZ.  The delegation include Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo, Mayor Eric Codilla of Ormoc, Mayor German Saraña of Bayawan, DENR Assistant Secretary Gerry Calderon now Mayor of Angono, Rizal and LMP President Mayor Ramon Guico of Binalonan, Pangasinan.   Earlier our respective SWM Landfill Managers including Atty. Feorillo Demeterio, Jr. travelled ahead to Germany. 

 

The plan to modernize sanitary landfill is almost complete.  The road right of way problem delayed the project.  However, we hope to see the establishment of the Eco-Park cum Sanitary Landfill at Libhu next term.  

 

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ADVERTISEMENTS FOR TOURISM

Hanginan has now hundreds of thousands and thousands of pilgrims every year, going there not only on Fridays but on all days of the week, especially during the Holy Week.  Even if the image of Saint Francis Xavier is at Isagani, still the devotees would climb Hanginan.  We have concreted roads at both at Sorosoro and at Isagani leading all the way to the Dagkutanan.  And the concreting is still ongoing, a joint undertaking of Cong. Mercado, the province and the city.

Montecueva Shrine, the only chapel inside a cave, and Jalleca Hills Shrine, the biggest image of Mama Mary, in this part of the world, both pilgrimage sites of the Our Lady of Assumption, are now popular countrywide.  We devotees believe that it spared Maasin City from typhoons for almost twenty years now.  In coordination with the Diocese of Maasin we will promote the place for tourists and pilgrims.

The Maasin City Zoo is the only zoo in the Philippines, outside Zoobic in Zambales City, with lions in its cages.  The zoo is still in its developing stage.  We will market it and organize several activities at the City Forest Park to promote the city zoo. We will construct more tourism facilities at Camp Danao.

We will expand our Sakay-Sakay Festival, our own Maasinhon version of the Sinulog, for the Holy Child Senior Santo Niño.  There will be more street dancing in the first day and the fluvial parade on the second day. 

The official festival of the city is Ajonay Festival which refers to unity, solidarity, teamwork.  It complements the Pabulhon Festival which means bayanihan.  It is the official agri-aqua fair of the city together with the so-called Pabulhon Games.  These festivals will highlight every Charter Day and Fiesta Celebration. 

During the Christmas season, we have the Parol and Belen Festival, which occurs every Yuletide Season for more than 15 years now. We thank the 70 barangays for their active participation in these festivals. 

Then there is also a Song and Dance Festival which supplements the Christmas festivities which occurs for nine days starting on the first day of the Christmas novena.  We thank the different schools and colleges and all organizations who joined the song and dance extravaganza.

Our moving Santa Claus and sleigh and nativity scene is one of the attractions during Christmas and children from all over the city and neighboring towns flock to the Plaza to witness one of a kind Christmas scene in this part of the region.   

Maasin City College is now the new home of Senator Ruperto Kangleon memorabilia.  We have helped showcase the clothes, books, writings, paintings, and other mementos of the only senator from Southern Leyte for students and visitors alike. 

Tourism will move several steps ahead with the construction of the Guadalupe port and the expansion of Maasin Airport.  President Aquino released a total of P100 million for both transportation facilitates. 

If the alternate port should have been completed, Gabisan will establish a regular trip for Cebu, Roble will put up a ship for Nasipit and Ubay.  Zest Air or PAL Express will establish flights to Manila if the airport is operational. 

National winner Maasinhon Trio of the Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3 will help promote Maasin with their coming album through Star Records of ABS-CBN.  They will again be assisted by the City and Provincial Government like what we have done when they outvoted their more popular competitors in the PGT 3 Finals. 

CONCRETING AND MAINTENANCE OF ROADS

In six years, more than 30 kilometers of roads were concreted in a joint effort by Cong. Mercado and Gov. Mercado and the city government.  It includes national and provincial roads from Combado to Pasay, Hantag to Malapoc Norte, Acasia to Lunas, Bagtican to Tigbawan, Sto. Rosario to Guadalupe and Panan-awan to Bilibol.   The amount is more than P250 million including drainage systems and shoulders.

In two terms, the city has also constructed road concreting at Cansirong, Capt. Iyano at Combado, Bagtican,  Mambajao, Mantahan, Soro-soro, Malapoc Norte to Danao, San Agustin, Maria Clara, Pinascuhan, Acasia, Cabadiangan, San Agustin, Hanginan, Lanao, Hinapu Gamay, Libertad, and Gotosan at Bogo, Cagnituan, Badiang, and junction bridge at Nasaug, Mambajao, Canturing, and Mantahan.  For a total amount of about P30 million.

We also have River control at Abgao, seawall at reclamation area, Agta creek protection dike at San Rafael, Open Canal, Gabions and Dikes at San Rafael, Telecom Road at Hinapu Daku, Concrete Parking Area at Reclamation, Nursery Road at Rizal and Road Embankment at Pansaan for a total of P5.4 million.

Opening and Rehabilitation of Farm to Market Road through the INFRES Project worth P38.2 million ongoing at Nonok Sur, San Agustin, Pansaan, Cabadiangan, Basak, Canyuom and Cagnituan. 

Bridge Protection Dikes at Canturing, Tigbawan, Mambajao, Sto. Nino, Basak, San Jose, Tam-is, and Hinapu Gamay for a total of P5.7 million.

Road Maintenance Projects at Kangleon St. at Tunga-tunga, San Jose St. at Mantahan, Line Canals at Iyano St. at Combado, Mambajao, Canturing, and Asuncion worth P7.7 million.

Gabions, Dikes, River Control and Walls at San Rafael, San Jose, Bato I, Nonok Norte, Pinascuhan, Sitio Lagnason at Lunas, Tunga-tunga, Nasaug, Tigbawan, Pinascuhan, Asuncion, and Gawisan worth P18.5 million.

Road Concreting at Nati, Libertad, Tawid-Libhu, Nusery at Rizal, Malapoc Sur at NHS, Basak, Malapoc Norte to Danao, Gawisan, and Tam-is,  Enage St. and Garces St. at Tunga-tunga, Terminal Area at Combado, Pasay, Bactul II, Bato i-Bato II worth P 18 million.   

 

OVERALL BARANGAY DEVELOPMENT

In six years as mayor, we have constructed thirty one (31) Covered Courts cum Evacuation Centers in Acasia, Bactul I, Bactul II, Bato II, Batuan, Bilibol, Bogo, Cagnituan, Cambooc, Cansirong, Canyuom, Combado, Hantag, Hinapu Daku, Hinapu Gamay, Isagani, Laboon, Lanao, Mahayahay, Malapoc Norte, Manhilo, Maria Clara, Matin-ao, Panan-awan, Pasay, Pinaskohan, Rizal, Santa Cruz, Tagnipa, Tam-is, and Tigbawan.  Others are still ongoing.  All in all, 45 barangays have gyms, 11 are ongoing, and 14 have none.  If all of them have lots, all the 70 will have covered courts at the end of my 9th year. 

These covered courts have so many uses:  sports centers, livelihood centers, evacuation centers, agriculture products display centers, training centers, socio-cultural centers, temporary classrooms, temporary parking centers, medical centers, voting centers, barangay promotions centers and all-around activity centers. 

Dili kuno makaon! Dili bitaw way nakig lalis!

All these covered courts were the living witnesses to the Aksyon Solution Inisyatibo, Unity Solidarity Teamwork, Maasinhong Ajonay sa Asenso Magpatunhay and the Barangayang Bayanihan, counterparting for short. 

We have completed electrification projects in the sitios in Malapoc Norte, Tawid, Lib-og, San Isidro, Batuan and Hantag.  Others are still on going.   

We have given counterpart funds to the Barangay Halls of Laboon, Nasaug, Mantahan, Mahayahay.  We have installed water systems in Libertad, Malapoc Norte at Danao, Matin-ao to Cambooc. 

The legislative development funds were disbursed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod as counterpart funds for Barangay projects like Barangay hall repairs, daycare center repairs, water systems, health facilities, school repairs, street lighting, and several projects.  Joint sessions were conducted in the barangays and each received an assistance of P100,000 for their projects.  It was also an opportunity to conduct consultative meetings with them. 

We have formulated the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Community Based Monitoring System, and Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.   This will benefit the 70 barangays of Maasin. 

 

We are one of the first local government units in region 8 to be awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping by no less than DILG Secretary and Liberal Party Vice President the late Jessie Robredo.  Ila man ning amigo. He gave us P25 million cash reward for our good governance, transparency and accountability.  We are also second to Tacloban City in the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi in the city category in region 8. 

We must admit we still have so many problems to face.  In the barangay consultations that we had, much work has to be done and more projects and programs have to be addressed concerning our 13 point agenda.   We have to work more for our disadvantaged constituents. Thank you my dear colleagues in the City Council led by Vice Mayor Effie for being supportive of the executive department.  Thank you heads of office and city employees for being with me when I need you most.  Thank you Mama Chona for being my caring spouse and loving mother of our children and my active partner in running and in wrestling.  Thank you Mama Esper and my whole family for staying with me through thick and thin. Thank you Gov Oging and Cong Mian for helping me serve Maasin and thank you Maasinhons for your vote of confidence.  For our political opponents, you raise me up when my adrenalin goes down.  For all of these, thank you Idol Jesus and Dear Mama Mary … Amen.