Education remains Naga mayor’s top priority

CEBU, Philippines — Education remains the top priority program of Naga City, Cebu Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong.

Chiong, in her second State of the City Address (SOCA) yesterday, said education is at the top of her 10 development agenda.

She vowed to continue providing the youth and children with quality education.

For the last two years, she said around P42 million was poured in for the construction of classrooms, faculty rooms, covered courts, perimeter fences, and other facilities.

"The quality of life for the Nagahanons can only be realized if the city government improves the quality of its services. The city government should lead by example and quality service should emanate from us," the mayor said.

Chiong’s other priorities are health, infrastructure, social services, environment, peace and order, resiliency/disaster preparedness, economic dynamism, institutional development, and heritage, culture and tourism.

As for the sustainability of its economic growth, Chiong said the city government has implemented a streamlined business registration processes to ease and hasten transactions.

The city has also strengthened its fight against illegal drugs, said Chiong.

In fact, the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office has recognized the city as the Most Outstanding Anti-Drug Abuse Council in the province.

"We are getting stronger in our war against illegal drugs. We continue the community treatment program for the1,027 drug surrenderers in the city," Chiong said.

Aside from establishing a community-based treatment program for drug dependents, the city has expanded its jail and detention center to a three-story from a two-story facility to accommodate more inmates.

Other ongoing project is the construction of the new Disaster Risk Reduction and Management facility, which will house the Central Command Center, 24/7 Emergency Response Unit, and the Capacity and Capability Building, said Chiong.

Moreover, Senator Cynthia Villar said she was glad that agriculture is among Chiong’s priority programs.

Villar is the Senate committee chair on food and agriculture.

"We should work together in improving the plight of farmers, fisherfolks and agricultural workers by removing all the barriers that prevent them from being more competitive," the senator said.

Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat also commended Chiong for being “a great mayor.”

“A very young and vibrant mayor who has done so much for her city…You are such a great mayor. This is one of the reasons why I really came here because I wanted to meet you," said Puyat.

Villar, Puyat, Cebu First District Rep. Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas, and Talisay City Mayor Eduardo Gullas were among the guests of honor during the SOCA. (FREEMAN)