Lim cites gains, success during 45th charter day

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines  - City Mayor Dan Neri Lim cited gains and success of his administration during his almost three terms in office during the 45th charter day celebration of this capital city.

"Lest it be lost to our people, we are among the very few small local government units that do not rely heavily on the internal revenue allotments. Any objective economist will tell you that this is an indicator of sound financial management and accountability," he said in his State of the City Address.

In terms of social services, he said, that some 4,300 people have availed of the Blue Card, so far. There are 3,625 families "have been served by our Botika sa Katawhan, run by his deputy mayor Mar Uy and a total of 8,638 senior citizens have benefited from our program of providing cakes and cash during their birthdays and free movies. The city, he said expressed greetings to some 246 couples who celebrated their silver and wedding anniversaries.

In education, a total of 58,662 pupils have been beneficiaries of the elementary education assistance program in providing basic needs such as school supplies, uniforms, rain coats and bags, excluding the beneficiaries for school year 2011-2012. He said a total of 515 students have availed of the college education assistance program from 2007-2010 while 428 families have been beneficiaries of mortuary assistance which include one sack of rice for every fatality aside from related services.

In infrastructure, the city also posted an impressive record. "In spite of our limited financial income, your city government has completed 10,252.13 meters as part of the phase I of our road rehabilitation and improvement project and 12,536.50 meters in the second phase."

The city government under his stewardship has completed the asphalt overlay stretching to 2,755 meters and concreting for 565 meters.

"Our ongoing asphalt overlay and concreting will cover a total of 3,586.53 meters while 6,524.30 meters were identified as priorities in the next stage," he said. Street lighting project (phases I and II) is also his priority accomplishing a total of 387 poles and phase III is on going.

Meanwhile, the city government has recognized and awarded outstanding city citizens and groups/barangays for their contribution to the city's progress with Mr. Hans Schoof, a German national who already settled in Bohol as distinguished adopted son of the city.

Five Couples of the Year award were bestowed to Marianito P. Malanog and Aquilina Pines-Malanog; Primo Y. Yu and Ursula Alturas-Yu; Warren Yap and Leyema Bompat-Yap; Victoriano B. Tirol, Jr. and Cristeta Balili-Tirol; and Crispin B. Mitra and Anatalia Estrosos-Mitra.

Barangay Mansasa got the Participatory Governance citation; Barangay Manga for Health Services Delivery; Barangay Cogon for Economic Governance; Barangay Ubujan for Services for Education; and Barangay Booy for Administrative plum in best performing barangays. (FREEMAN)