Councilor Alvin Dizon: Committed, consistent, transparent, hardworking  

The first time we met in the early 1990s, Councilor Alvin Dizon, then a young university student leader, spoke at a rally defending the urban poor trisikad drivers from being marginalized by the ongoing Cebu Port Modernization plan.

His commitment to help create a better world for all and especially for the poor, the marginalized/vulnerable, was already very evident even then,

He continued his advocacies for the “kabus” with several CSOs: the Fellowship for Organizing Endeavors Center for Participatory Governance, Freedom from Debt Coalition, and Kaabag sa Sugbo

As elected councilor of the 12th, 13th, and 15th Cebu City Councils, he remained consistently committed not only as “Tingog para sa Kabus” but for other sectors through his authored and co-authored approved ordinances.

Also, an advocate of transparency and accountability, annually, he shares an accomplishment report to Cebu City residents/constituents.

Committed, consistent, and transparent aptly describe Councilor Alvin Dizon.

Hardworking should also be added to describe him as his 2021 Annual Accomplishment Report for January-December 2021 noted that he had perfect attendance in all Cebu City Council regular/special sessions!

Also, he sponsored 111 resolutions for 1.) The promotion of the rights and welfare of the marginalized sectors, 2.) The protection of the environment, and, 3.) The improvement of the city government’s health and pandemic response.

Specifically, for the poor, his ordinances include the 100 Million Annual Appropriation for Socialized Housing Projects (that he co-authored with Councilor Nestor Archival) and the Transfer Tax Exemption for Socialized Housing Beneficiaries.

For senior citizens/PWDs, the “Ordinance Establishing Home Care Support Services to Indigent Persons with Severe Disabilities and Seriously-Ill Senior Citizens in the City of Cebu, with Funds.”

He authored the ordinance for free parking privilege for senior citizens/PWDs and co-authored an ordinance providing financial assistance to senior citizens.

He likewise sponsored the barrier free tourism ordinance and the historic anti-discrimination ordinance to promote respect/acceptance of all people regardless of gender/beliefs/ orientation/disability.

For indigent women, he co-authored a free breast cancer screening ordinance and a human milk bank ordinance for women/children needing breast milk.

For Cebu City OFWs, he authored the ordinance providing for coordinated quality services, with funds.

For public schools honor graduates, the approved Ordinance Amending Subsection 2.2 of City Ordinance No. 2454 Providing Incentives to Cebu City Public Schools Honor Graduates.

For Cebu City government scholars, cash incentives and increased allowances.

For the protection of the Environment, the following ordinances: 1.) Creating Multi-Sectoral Air Quality Council of the City of Cebu, Defining its Composition, Powers and Functions, and Providing Funds for its Operations and for Other Purposes, 2.) Prohibiting the Usage of Single-Use Disposable Materials in all Business Establishments and Prescribing Penalties for violations, and, 3.) Creating the Cebu City UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Council mandating Cebu City to concretize/monitor the SDGs implementation and align its legislation/programs/ policies with the UN SDGs.

Finally, his health/COVID-pandemic-responsive ordinances include: 1.) Prohibiting the Improper Disposal of Face Masks and other COVID-19 Protective Gears and Products, 2.) Establishing Telemedicine Services in the Cebu City Medical Center and City Health Department, 3.) Prohibiting the Sale/Distribution/Administration of COVID-19 Vaccines and the Sale Of Vaccination Slots in Cebu City by any Person/Institution/Corporation/Group or Organization for Gain/Income/Profit During a State of Public Health Emergency and Without Full Food and Drug Administration Market Authorization Issued, 4.) Establishing Cebu City Public Health Emergency Response, and, 5.) Food banking and urban gardening.

For Odette victims, last January, his #ProjectSmile served about 5,000 hot meals in nine barangays and distributed 480 family food packs, 50 sacks of rice, and 200 solar lamps.

Committed, consistent, transparent, and hardworking, Councilor Alvin has offered to continue his public service/engagement as advocate for people/communities/our planet.

May Councilor Alvin Dizon be given a well-deserved fresh mandate by Cebu City voters and constituents come May elections!