SOCA focuses on plans, programs

CEBU, Philippines — It was pure business during his State of the City Address (SOCA) yesterday as Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña decided to focus his speech on the city's ongoing programs and future projects.

Lasting 14 minutes, Osmeña boasted of the city's Long Life Medical Assistance Program (LLMAP) through which 52,000 beneficiaries get free medicines every day.

"The purpose of our Long Life Medical Program is that maybe as early as next year, we will have the lowest mortality rate in the whole Philippines. That is my goal," Osmeña said.

The LLMAP is the first program Osmeña implemented when he returned to City Hall in June 2016. Among the beneficiaries include those suffering from hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis.

Osmeña said Cebu City is the only local government unit that has the project.

Soon, he said, those tasked to distribute the medicines will be trained to check blood pressure and other vital signs so that the beneficiaries would no longer need to travel to barangay health centers.

The city is also eyeing at gathering doctor and nurse volunteers who can take blood samples from beneficiaries that can be assessed so determine if a patient's medicines or dosage need to be changed.

He said the open communication line he has established with city residents has helped him determine what they need and want.

Osmeña is active on Facebook and has posted his mobile on his account there.

For example, the city decided to open the public library 24/7 because of a request from student Mitch Roldan. Since then, it became a go-to place for students to study in at night, including Athena Louise Mangoroban who placed ninth in the latest nursing board examination.

As far as cleanliness in concerned, Osmeña said he has received fewer complaints from residents, but said the city continues to improve its garbage collection system.

He announced that the city has reached out to utility firms to clean up the so-called "spaghetti wires."

"May I invite everyone to observe what we have started? The ugly overhead wires that you see in our utility post are going to disappear. It already started in Osmeña Boulevard. We have to change the look of the city. This is one of the biggest eyesores in our city. We expect these black wires to be gone as we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the landing of Magellan," he said.

In the area of employment, Osmeña said 170 single mothers have been screened to work at a call center under the city's communal program.

As far as peace and order is concerned, Osmeña cited the accomplishments of the city police. Under the leadership of former city director Joel Doria, the Cebu City Police Office arrested 6,975 individuals; conducted 4,406 drug raids; and confiscated shabu worth a total of P414 million.

He said he has forwarded to the police the information he has received from the public.

Future Projects

Osmeña said he will revive the P18 billion integrated resort and casino proposal that the City Council rejected in April. The project was meant to be established on what used to be the Kawit Island at the South Road Properties.

Due to netizens' demand, the city will build a skateboard park and other sports facilities also at the SRP to keep the youth away from drugs.

Osmeña said his sister, Minnie, will donate $100,000 or P5 million so that the city can open facilities that can cater to different sports, including tennis, motocross, and archery.

Osmeña said the city also plans of establishing a so-called Call Center City where call center agents can work and pursue studies at the same time.

He also wants to bring in investors from Hong Kong and Singapore so that Cebuanos no longer have to work abroad.

Osmeña said he ask the Sangguniang Kabataan officials to help look for areas in their barangays where study centers can be opened. 

Osmeña closed his speech by asking the City Council to pass an ordinance that would ban plastic in the city.

"In closing, let me restate my promise that Cebu will be better tomorrow than what it is today. You can help me. My number is 09173299999," he said.

Reactions

Councilor Joel Garganera described Osmeña's SOCA as "dull and dry."

Jessica Resch, SK Federation president who now sits in the council, said she is happy that Osmeña gives importance to the concerns of the young.

Councilors Sisinio Andales and Mary Ann delos Santos both said the mayor accomplished more than enough in just a year.

Councilors Eugenio Gabuya, Jr. and Phillip Zafra described the speech as "simple, concise, and straight to the point".

Meanwhile, Councilor Jose Daluz III said he went out of the session hall during the SOCA because he did not want to hear Osmeña lambast his mother, Nenita "Inday Nita" Daluz, the same way the mayor reportedly did during a speech at the flag raising ceremony last Monday.  This, however, did not happen yesterday. JMO (FREEMAN)