Valenzuela focuses on ‘capability buildup’

Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian stressed yesterday that for residents to believe the city government is capable of delivering its promises, City Hall has to build up its manpower and its hardware.

Economic and political odds notwithstanding, Gatchalian said, "capability buildup" is his administration’s priority.

"I want a safe, clean and prosperous Valenzuela. That is my vision for the city. But the people have got to believe that the government is capable of delivering what it envisions for its people," Gatchalian said in an interview.

He said that to be able to do this, the government must invest in the talent of its workers and in needed equipment.

For starters, Gatchalian has invested some P7 million for the computerization of frontline services at City Hall. First to benefit from this investment in information technology hardware are the revenue-gathering offices, including the Treasurer’s Office. The mayor said other offices will have their time soon as more funds come in.

Gatchalian said the city government needs at least P25 million in computer hardware to run the city the way he wants it – like a corporation.

He said the funds for the hardware, including the much needed heavy equipment particularly for easing traffic and for efficient garbage collection, are forthcoming.

"We want to hire and train more people, preferably our own, and buy our own equipment to be able to deliver the basic services, fast and efficiently," Gatchalian said.

"We have moved quite a bit despite the odds. Our success rate at present would be 20 percent of our goal. We are now training our people, creating modules and will be in motion within the year starting with our frontlines services — traffic, garbage collection, tax collection," Gatchalian said. He also said he cannot serve his people well if they will not do their share.

Gatchalian said he is a self-confessed admirer of controversial MMDA chief and former Marikina Mayor Bayani Fernando. "Despite the flak, he gets things done. I would also like to be able to do this," Gatchalian said. He said that for him, Marikina is tops among the cities in the country and is worth imitating.

He also admitted his dream for a Marikina clone cannot come instantly.

"Marikina is the best model for me. But this dream cannot be achieved overnight," Gatchalian said citing the current economic woes and the general "disinterest" of the local populace as stumbling blocks.

City Hall observers say the strong political opposition in his turf is also weighing heavily on his shoulder. When asked about his working relationship with the opposition, he said curtly: "Admittedly there is tension, but there is no war."

The city council is dominated by the opposition, 10 to four.

The mayor said the city government is already on the way to fulfilling the dream, albeit slowly, adding that cooperation and discipline among the city residents are essential ingredients.

"It is important to let the people understand that discipline is a requirement. We have to cooperate. The traffic, garbage, the environment — these are all our responsibility. Discipline must begin with us all," he said.