Participatory governance the way to go – Chiong

CEBU, Philippines - The concreting of roads, completion of the new Naga Public Market, new income-generating investments and health services to the poorest of the poor top the city government’s development thrusts for 2013.

Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong said these thrusts will support basic urban services.

Chiong recently announced a bigger budget for the city fueled by the increase in its revenues from industrial and business establishments that have invested in Naga. From P108 million in 2011, the city’s budget has grown fivefold with P535 million. Of this amount, P242 million comes from internal revenue allotment (IRA).

Chiong said the city’s thrust for participatory governance and strategic partnership with private sectors has “encouraged investors to do business in our city and, in turn, created jobs for our people.”

To strengthen this thrust, roads, especially those in mountain barangays and the completion of the P80 million new city market will be prioritized. Chiong said the city’s 28 barangays support this direction.

“I am in the right direction because as you can see, in the upcoming election, its supposed to be the gauge of politicians. Wala man kaayo mi-challenge nato from the mayor down to the city council. So nagpamatuod lang siguro ni nga maayo atong pagpadagan sa atong siyudad,” Chiong said. –/JMO