MANILA, Philippines - Following the lead of Mayor Strike Revilla, Ph.D., Bacoor in Cavite has been able to successfully transform itself into a fully developed city with environmental efforts in place along with a variety of other developmental projects.
Together with his team, Revilla has been avidly pushing for growth that will equip Bacoor with the regulations, facilities, and overall good governance that it needs to continue its ascent to become one of the country’s best cities.
Starting off the new year with an optimistic outlook, Revilla and his team are enthusiastic about what they have in store for the residents of Bacoor, starting off with its recent award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which is the Seal of Good Housekeeping, “in recognition of its efforts in advancing the principles of accountability and transparency in local governance.”
Another notable achievement for Bacoor was the turnover of computer units to the heads of all its 73 barangays. This is in line with the local government’s aim to encourage transparency and a faster, more accessible public service even in the barangay level. Refresher courses for key barangay officials on basic computer usage were also provided.
Another important thing to highlight is Bacoor’s booming infrastructure projects, with the local government enthusiastically spearheading the groundbreaking and inauguration of a variety of projects all throughout January this year.
From a multi-purpose hall in Barangay Habay 2, a barangay hall in Molino 6 to a daycare center in Barangay Zapote 3, Bacoor residents were treated to the local government’s highly active steps toward improving the Bacooreños quality of life.
One of the infrastructure highlights in Bacoor this year is the groundbreaking of the new Government Center in Barangay San Nicolas 2. The present location of the municipal hall of Bacoor is no longer capable of further supporting the needs of a growing LGU. Thus, the need for a new Government Center to house the future city government of Bacoor, the office of the representative (Congress), and satellite offices of national government agencies.
Meanwhile, 10 lucky Bacooreños will be given “nego-carts” to help them get their start as entrepreneurs. The LGU, through its PESO, and in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment, is going to take part in this endeavor tomorrow. This is also part of the local government’s aim to empower its citizenry and help them make a decent living.
Also happening tomorrow is the launch of simultaneous earthquake drills, starting off with the municipal employees and followed by schools and other establishments in the city. Revilla hopes this will be a concerted effort between the local government and the people of Bacoor to be better prepared and equipped with the right knowledge should a disaster come.
With various development projects already in full swing, Revilla has also been heavily focusing on his administration’s environmental efforts through projects like the “Art for Earth — Let’s Paint for a Greener Bacoor” wherein public school children are encouraged to create artworks inspired by the environment using eco-friendly materials. Then there’s the seminar on Municipal Ordinance 14-S-2002 regulating the distribution of plastic bags and polystyrene (Styrofoam), and providing penalties for violations thereof.
On March 3, Revilla will head a no-registration fun run for a cause, aptly called “Let’s Run para sa Kalikasan” — a noteworthy event which has earned the support of companies such as Emilus Mart and McDonald’s. This multi-sectoral event aims to kick off a series of campaigns to launch the implementation of the ordinance this March.
Thousands of Bacooreños — local and barangay officials, municipal employees, teachers, students, homeowner associations, nongovernment organizations, environmentalists, and civic-oriented groups, among others — have already registered and are expected to participate in the event as their way of supporting this noteworthy cause for the environment.
After the event, biking enthusiasts will participate in the “Pedal your way to a cleaner environment, cycle for a better future,” which takes place in the SM Molino-Daang Hari area.
March is going to prove to be another event-filled month for Bacooreños as Revilla has his hands full with activities and projects that are going to help improve how his constituents live.
On March 1, there will be a medical mission, the launch of Oplan Strike, and the opening of Kite Festival 2012. Then on March 2, Revilla will lead the groundbreaking of Bacoor’s new Government Center.
Other activities on March 2 are the Strike-a-Job-Fair at SM Bacoor, the launch of the Search for the Cleanest and Greenest Barangay, the awarding for the Search for Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa (LTIA Municipal Level), the distribution of free wheelchairs, and a free concert in celebration of Revilla’s birthday.
Revilla’s birthday celebration will continue on March 3 with a hectic calendar of activities, starting off with the fun run for the environment at 4:30 a.m., and the Bingo Bonanza/Libreng Pa-Bingo sa Kaarawan ni Mayor Strike, which is also the mayor’s way of giving back to Bacooreños through an entertaining and very Pinoy way.
Rounding out Revilla’s event-filled birthday celebration is the “Dance Showdown para sa Kalikasan (‘Plastic is Out; Green is In’),” in line with the “Bawal na ang Plastic at Styro sa Bacoor” campaign.
There will be a dance competition organized by Sky Cable and SM City Bacoor in support of the city government’s campaign. Contestants are asked to creatively incorporate the “Bawal na ang Plastic ...” drive in their presentation.
On the second week of March, there will be a motorcade for the observance of Fire Prevention and Awareness Month.
As Bacoor gears up toward cityhood, and with so many great things happening there in just the early months of 2012, one can only expect even better, more exciting, and more importantly, more productive projects and activities to come from Revilla and his team.