Naga Charter to fete Chiong's final SOCA

CEBU, Philippines - It's all systems go for the 8th Charter Day Celebration of the City of Naga.

The celebration of the Charter Day is based on the theme "Steering the City to Greater Heights." It aims to uphold the preservation of natural resources, proper handling of funds and investment on worthy infrastructure projects.

Mayor Valdemar Chiong, who is on his third and last term, said this will be the time that he will deliver his last State of the City Address (SOCA) at the Enan Mendiola Chiong Memorial Community stage.

According to Chiong, his administration is a strong advocate for good governance, transparency and accountability in partnership with various sectors for judicious management of government funds and efficient delivery of basic services to the public.

"This is to ensure sound fiscal management, more job opportunities, quality education for the youth and accessibility to health care for the elderly, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and indigents," Chiong said.

The seven-day celebration will kick off with on August 28 with the opening of sports tournament, local job fair and legal aid consultation. Among the activities that are lined up are inauguration of various government projects, mass wedding, medical and dental mission, agri-trade fair.

On September 5, the mayor will deliver his SOCA.

House Bill No. 537 declares September 5 of every year as a special working holiday in Naga as it celebrates its foundation anniversary.

It was former congressman Eduardo Gullas who authored the cityhood bill of Naga and Carcar, whose charters were ratified in plebiscites in 2007.

He also authored the cityhood bill of Talisay, which was converted from first class municipality into a component city in 2001.    (FREEMAN)