By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff Reporter
Laoag City—Mayor
Michael M. Keon presented his first 100 days accomplishment report as the
city’s chief executive in a simple program held at the Laoag City Multi-Purpose
Hall on October 14, 2019.
In his report, Mr. Keon said he is presenting what he has
done in his first 100 days as mayor, with focus on his personal initiatives,
plans and programs for the city.
Ineng and Laoagueños resiliency
With severe tropical storm
“Ineng” ravaging the city and Ilocos Norte, it resulted in widespread
destruction. To cope with the devastation, the Sangguniang Panlungsod
immediately declared a “state of calamity” in the city. The declaration allowed
the city government to mobilize the calamity fund to provide assistance to
those severely affected by the severe storm.
Ineng left one casualty, identified as Ricky Manglal-lan,
a resident of Brgy. Salet Bulangon, who drowned due to the strong current of
the flood. Mr. Manglal-lan was hailed as a hero because of his bravery,
selfless dedication and voluntary service. The victim was given financial
assistance by the city government and some kind-hearted sponsors.
Evacuation centers were immediately opened for evacuees,
and some schools were converted as temporary shelters to accommodate families.
A total of 119 families, or 453 persons, took shelter in various evacuation
centers.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office showed
that there were around 9,257 families or 36,787 individuals from 70 barangays
that were affected.
The City Agriculture Office reported that the value of
damage to agriculture left by storm amounted to PHP6,491,338.75. The loss to the rice sector is the largest at
PHP3.85 million; followed by livestock at PHP1.32 million; high-value
commercial crops at PHP330,000; fishery at PHP256,000; and corn at PHP142,000.
Additional damages to irrigation canals and farm-to-market roads were valued at
PHP600,000.
The City Engineering Office likewise reported
infrastructure damages of PHP12,352,654.88
from slope protection, cross drainages, concrete pavements and perimeter fence.
The said estimate does not include the nine houses that were totally or
partially damaged.
Relative to this, Senator Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R.
Marcos brought Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go, Agriculture Secretary
William Dar, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista,
representatives from the Department of Health and other national and local
officials to inspect the effects of the typhoon particularly in Metro Gabu and
were able to distribute 709 relief goods to affected families.
After a careful evaluation in the aftermath of severe
storm, officials ascertained that the flooding was due to the silting of
irrigation canal and the bypass road acted as a blockage to certain tributaries
and one of which is the Daorao Creek wherein the mouth of the Daorao Creek had
always been clogged by sand-drift from the sea. Big-scale floodwaters caused by
typhoons automatically open the mouth by flushing the sediment deposit.
Storm and waste water from the urban residential areas
were mainly drained to the San Isidro Creek. The existing alignment of the
creek greatly meanders upstream from the junction with the Daorao Creek.
The main causes of the inundation along the San Isidro
Creek and the long flood duration in the urban area are poor capacity of the
creek, narrow flow sections at bridges and culverts, and backwater effect from
the Daorao Creek.
All the other creeks such as Bengan Creek, Pandan Creek,
Barit Creek, Mangato Creek and San Isidro Creek converged at the Daorao Creek.
Also, in Brgy. Zamboanga, the Padsan River overflowed;
“which begs the question that the Padsan River must be dredged believing that
If the overflow from the Padsan River had been prevented and the mouth of the
Daorao Creek had been opened, the total inundation volume would have been
lessened, Mr. Keon noted”
He added that this tragedy must be addressed in the long
run and asked the patience of the public for a solution soon “We must understand and inculcate in our
minds that we cannot let this happen again in the future”’.
Ensuring food security through sustainable agriculture
One of the
most important challenges in ensuring food security consists of increasing food
production. Food security is based on sustainable agricultural production, and
the rational utilization of resources plays an essential role in this process.
Upon the urgent request of the City Agriculture and
Fishery Council, a calamity assistance fund of PHP2.466 million was approved to augment the losses of farmers and
fisherfolks whose crops, livestock, fishing paraphernalia and equipment were
severely affected and damaged during the onslaught of “Ineng”.
The said amount will be utilized for the purchase of
hybrid yellow corn (PHP1.2 million), inorganic fertilizer (PHP600,000), organic
fertilizer (PHP120,000), foliar fertilizer (PHP280,000), native chicken
(PHP100,000), fish nets (PHP91,000), and fingerlings (PHP75,000).
Laoag City was declared by Department of Agriculture as
one of the official winners in the recently concluded CY 2019 National Quality
Corn Achievers Award as corn is the second most important commodity in the city
with a cash prize of PHP1 million.
City agriculturist Marilyn G. Martin was also a winner in
the Outstanding City Agriculturist category; Sheila Marie N. Opelac, winner in
the Outstanding City Corn Coordinators; and Janet C. Paulino, winner in the
Outstanding Agricultural Extension Workers. They will also be receiving cash
prizes in their respective categories.
Five hundred seventy-nine farmers and fisherfolks from
the 30 farming/coastal barangays of Laoag City benefited from the Capitol
Express Program of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte held last October
2 at the Laoag City Central Terminal.
Mr. Keon also assisted Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew
Joseph M. Manotoc in the distribution of different inputs and farm equipment to
the recipients such as fish cages, assorted vegetable seeds, mango and calamansi
seedlings, hybrid and inbred rice seeds, water pumps, electric pumps, knapsack
sprayers, plastic crates, fertilizers, seed inoculants, fruit fly attractants
and flares.
On September 9, 2019, the city government distributed
various farm equipment such as shredder machine to Barangay Cabungaan Farmers
Association, hand tractor to Brgy. Lagui-Sail Farmers Association, four-wheel
tractor to Calsit Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Salet-Bulangon), hand tractor to
Barangay Bacsil North Farmers Association and multi-cultivator water pump to
Barangay Sta. Maria Farmers Association.
On September 4, the city government also distributed 58
piglets for dispersal to provide additional source of income to the
constituents as part of the city government’s Swine Dispersal Project.
Environmental
protection and management
Waste
management is part of the city’s commitment to sustainability through
environmental performance, protection and management.
It is the duty of the city to adopt a systematic,
comprehensive and ecological sold waste management program that ensures the
protection of public health and the environment through the formulation and
adoption of best environmental practices.
On August 7, 2019, Mr. Keon and
personnel from the City Engineering Office visited Brgy. Lagui-Sail for a
firsthand look on the condition of the dumpsite and the proposed sanitary
landfill in Brgy. Balatong to look at the future site of the city’s sanitary
landfill.
Officials of the Dept. of Environment and Natural
Resources and CENRO together with the Engineering Office went to Brgy.
Lagui-Sail to asses a long-term goal of turning it into an eco-park and the
need to have a waste management and segregation in the barangay level. The
segregation of organic and inorganic matter, biodegradable and
non-biodegradable would make it easier to dispose of the remaining waste
residue.
Relative to this, the city government approved and
appropriated the amount of PHP13,136,280.00
for the purchase of 67,872 square meters of land in Brgy. Balatong for the
landfill.
While scrutinizing the budgets of the respective
departments, Mr. Keon noticed that there was an item in the budget of the
Engineering Office dealing with land wherein said item is basically for money
being put aside for the continuing purchase of the land where the dumpsite in
Barangay Lagui-Sail stands.
He learned that the dumpsite has a total land area of 5
hectares or 50,789 square meters, has been in use since 1998 however, the land
has not been fully paid until now. Records showed that the city government only
purchased 3.8 hectares or 38,092 square meters amounting to PHP949,119.08 in three installments
(1998, 2001, 2007).
This means that the city government still needs to pay
the remaining 1.2 hectares or 12,697 square meters amounting to PHP1,523,670.00 based on present value
as appraised by the City Assessor’s Office.
The 500 square meters right of way going to the dumpsite
which is equivalent to PHP95,000.00,
is still unpaid up to this date. It was only in 2015 that all the owners were
able to provide complete documents.
The Philippine Public School Teachers Association also
asked for assistance for the payment of a certain land in Brgy. Talingaan in
the amount of P12,183,465.00 which
was used to build a road known as the Ventura Highway.
Upon further investigation, it was disclosed that the
said portion of land, which was originally a private property, has underwent
grading as a dirt road in 1992. Later, DPWH implemented the cementing of the
road in 2017.
The PPSTA has been demanding the payment for the property
verbally but it was only in 2018 that they forwarded a formal letter to the
city government. However, upon appraisal of the City Assessor’s Office, the
value of the land is only P8,347,050.00.
Promoting tourism
in our modern world
Over the
decades, tourism has experienced continued growth and deepening diversification
to become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world. Modern
tourism is closely linked to development and encompasses a growing number of new
destinations. These dynamics have turned tourism into a key driver for socio-economic
progress.
Mr. Keon believes that there are still undiscovered
potential areas in the city that need a little polishing to transform them into
places of interests. This is not limited to the development of areas only
pleasing to the eye
On September 1, 2019 the city of Laoag welcomed Mr.
Rafael Harpaz, the Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines, and his wife, Madam
Shulamit Harpaz to the city for a visit.
During their meeting, Mr. Keon laid a plan to send
agriculture technicians from Laoag City and Ilocos Norte to Israel to study
their advanced agriculture techniques, and eventually adapt and implement them
here in the locality.
Further, he hoped that the police force would gain a
great deal from studying anti-terrorism and security techniques from the
Israeli armed forces to further enhance their skills and capabilities in
maintaining the peace and order in the city.
For his part, the ambassador elaborated that for the
first time, Israel is opening its doors for overseas workers in tourism as a
result of the fast-growing tourism industry in their country. He personally
experienced the hospitality, dedication and quality of service by the Ilocanos,
and hopes that by the end of this year, the country will be sending the first
batch of Filipinos, which includes Ilocanos, to Israel.
In line with the “Green, Green, Green” program of the
national government, the city government allocated the amount of PHP6,889,986.00 for the rehabilitation
and greening works at the Aurora Park, Approach of Gilbert Bridge and the
Centennial Park.
The Aurora Park looked as grand as possible when the city
welcomed the delegates of the 20th ATOP National Convention.
Moreover, the city government is presently formulating
the city’s Tourism Development Plan inviting various stakeholders to share
their ideas of how we can further boost the tourism industry in the city.
For the first time, the city of Laoag successfully hosted
the Opening Parade and Welcome Dinner for the approximately 1,000 delegates of
the 20th National Convention of the Association of Tourism Officers
of the Philippines last October 2.
Also, for the first time in many years, the city
government and the provincial government joined forces in bringing the best of
what Laoag City and Ilocos Norte can offer to the guests from the different
regions in the country.
The delegates were amazed with what they saw in the
province and that Laoag City and Ilocos Norte have tremendous potentials, and
that all the municipalities have something great to offer.
Together with Chinese Consul Zhou Youbin, both the
Chinese government and the city government unveiled the new LED Wall of the
City Government of Laoag last September 26, 2o19 at the Gilbert Bridge.
The LED Wall was donated by the Consulate of the People’s
Republic of China in Laoag City in commemoration of their country’s 70th
founding anniversary. For the frame of the LED Wall, the city government
allocated the amount of PHP499,521.00
for its rehabilitation.
This new platform promotes the different programs,
projects and activities as well as in promoting the different tourist
destinations not just of the city but the whole province. The LED Wall will
also be utilized as revenue generating tool by accepting advertisements.
Coping with the
digital world
Technological
advancement has entirely reshaped various organizations by making their systems
and processes highly integrated, and more streamlined. Moreover, it has
also facilitated these organizations in running their tasks smoothly and
performing well than ever before.
Technology advances at a pace that can hardly keep up with.
To stay relevant, especially when it comes to technology, means keeping up with
what is trending, technology wise, in the place of work.
The city government implemented the installation of the
firewall system device of the Information and Communications Technology Office
on October 7, 2019. This is a major step in securing the digital assets of the
city government
Laoag recognizes the vital roles of communication and
information especially during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural
disasters and calamities. Moreover, it is the primordial concern to have a
comprehensive and effective tool of disseminating information to our
constituents in alleviating and preparing for the impact of disasters and
calamities.
The city has entered into a memorandum of agreement with
Smart Communications, Inc. for the Infocast Broadcast services in order to
immediately and widely disseminate information primarily during natural
disaster and calamities.
In an effort to create more quality public spaces
equipped with upgraded internet connectivity and accessible communication
services, the city government partnered with Smart Communications, Inc. for the
installation of unlimited free wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) service at the Laoag
City Hall, Aurora Park, Laoag City Public Market and Commercial Complex and at
the Laoag International Airport.
Fiscal
sustainability and infrastructure and economic development
One of the
city’s main objectives is to promote and maintain financial stability because
it contributes to a healthy and sustainable economic growth.
Infrastructure also plays a vital role in the improvement
of standard of living. It also plays an important role in contributing to a
higher rate of economic growth.
During this period, the city was able to issue 230 demand letters to various business
establishments and 628 certificates of
non-delinquency as a way of showing transparency in the way we do
business in the city.
The proposed Annual Budget for CY 2020 was prepared after
a thorough review and evaluation of the proposals of the different offices on
the principle that the budget is one of the effective tools to achieving
inclusive growth for the city.
The city adopted the mechanism of participatory budgeting
to ensure prudent, transparent and accountable allocation and use of the public
funds to improve the quality of life of every Laoagueño.
The proposed budget will convert into reality the city’s
vision for reform and development as it allocates the proposed Programs,
Projects and Activities in the Annual Investment Program of all sectors.
Further, the city made sure that the budget is linked to harmonized plans and
policies in order to optimize the utilization of the limited resources.
Ultimately, the city government aims to achieve its goals
and objectives particularly on priority projects that focus on infrastructure,
health, agriculture, tourism and sports that will empower the people of Laoag
City synchronized with the city government’s thrust for a “Baro a Laoag”.
For CY 2020, the proposed Annual Budget of the City
Government of Laoag including the Economic Enterprises as the basis of our
appropriations for the General Fund and Economic Enterprise in the amount of PHP928,331,364.63.
Approved the appropriation of PHP9,246,006.00 from the share of RA 7171 for the construction of
farm-to-market roads in 17 barangays of the city; PHP12 million for road network projects particularly in the
construction of concrete pavements to 29 barangays of the city; PHP12,352,654.88 from the calamity
fund for the repair and rehabilitation of various infrastructure projects which
were damaged during the onslaught of “Ineng”; PHP24 million for the equal share of the 80 barangays of the city
for various infrastructure projects; and PHP11,160,560.44 for other rehabilitation projects: rehabilitation
of the LED Wall Frame; rehabilitation and greening works at Aurora Park,
gilbert bridge and centennial park; rehabilitation of city streets—asphalt
overlay; rehabilitation of the Human Resources Management Office; improvement
of the CMO at LCPMCC; rehabilitation of the CVMO; rehabilitation of LCPMCC; and
the rehabilitation of the Multi-Purpose Hall.
On September 24, 2019 Mr. Keon convened
the City Development Council to tackle the presentation, deliberation and
concurrence of the proposed CY 2020 Annual Investment Program and the CY2020
Annual Development Plan, among others. It was attended by the barangay
chairmen, various civic organizations and different local special bodies.
The amount of P12hp4,333,655.69
for the CY 2020 20% Annual Development Plan of the city is already included in
the proposed CY 2020 Annual Budget.
Responsive,
inclusive social services
The city
government of Laoag has always longed for a government that is inclusive and
responsive, credible and transparent, effective and efficient, and most of all,
passionate. To this effect, Mr. Keon assured everyone that the
city government will always look after the needs of the people of Laoag.
Mr. Keon commended the significant role of various
non-government organizations in the development of our city, improvement of
communities and in promoting citizen participation.
The City Government of Laoag through the Public
Employment Service Office organized a jobs fair on September 24, 2019 at the
Laoag City Auditorium. Through this activity, Laoag hope to provide job seekers
the opportunity to secure a stable employment.
On September 13, 2019, Mr. Keon met with several members
of the Ilocos Norte Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and with Henry
Chua and his two sons, Eric and Hubert, to discuss the details of their
proposal to construct two school buildings with two) classrooms each.
The chosen beneficiaries are Caaoacan Elementary School
and Plaridel Elementary School.
The city government also welcomed. Iain Cox, head of
political and economic team of the British Embassy in the Philippines, together
with Mr. Kurt Cendana, senior policy advisor, for a courtesy visit at the city
hall.
Some discussions arrived was the offer of the embassy to
qualified Ilocanos to apply for a Chevening Scholarship. This program offers
future leaders the unique opportunity to pursue a one-year master’s degree in
any subject at any United Kingdom university.
The scholarship is fully funded by the UK government
which includes university tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel costs to and
from the UK, an arrival allowance, a homeward departure allowance, the cost of
one visa application, and a travel grant to attend Chevening events in the UK.
Accomplishments also highlighted the following: approved
a multipurpose building program of works of a core shelter in Brgy. Navotas
which will benefit core shelter families; INEC problem at the core shelter in
Brgy. Navotas was resolved, electricity posts were put up and gave electricity
access to core shelter residents; the city government has provided a vehicle to
the Office of Disability Affairs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to check
PWDs in all barangays of Laoag City; and the Stimulation and Therapeutic
Activity Center of the city has been assisting kids with disabilities not just
in Laoag City but from nearby towns (Paoay, Vintar, Sarrat, and others) in
terms of therapy, recommending doctors, helping with diagnostic exams.
Ensuring peace,
order, public safety
Peace and
order are an essential element in maintaining economic development, social
order and political stability. A condition of peace and order facilitates the
growth of investments, generates more employment opportunities and attracts
more tourists.
The Laoag City Police Station, under the new Chief of
Police, P/Lt. Col. Amador B. Quiocho, is determined more than ever in maintaining
peace and order in the city.
In his first 100 days, the city government were able to
achieve a rating of 95% in the functionality assessment of the City Anti-Drug
Abuse Council. Laoag City is among the only two LGUs in the province that
achieved this rating, the highest thus far.
Further, in addition to the three non-affected barangays,
and 17 barangays already cleared from drugs as certified by PDEA, Mr. Keon have
already approved the submission of the list of additional 13barangays endorsed
by the DILG to apply for certification from PDEA as drug-cleared.
The city government support and commitment to the thrusts
of our Philippine National Police is of paramount importance to ensure peace
and order and public safety to the city.
On September 26, 2019, the city formalized the donation
of 1,000 square meters of lot including the existing fire station building to
the Bureau of Fire Protection-Laoag City.
It was found out during verification by the City
Assessor’s Office that the previous deed of donation was not dated. Further,
certifications from the National Archives and the Office of the Clerk of Court
of the Regional Trial Court, First Judicial Region, Laoag City where the notary
public who notarized the Deed of Donation was duly commissioned revealed that
the said offices have no copies of the said deed of donation in favor of the
BFP.
Because of this, the BFP was unable to formally acquire
the land under its name. As a result, it
did not allow them to access the national budget because they did not actually
own the land upon which their office stands. That is why the BFP approached Mr.
Keon to rectify the problem. With the approval of City Resolution No. 2019-009
for a new deed of donation, they can now avail of the programs of BFP including
the standardizations of all fire stations nationwide where the amount of P19,469,521.43 for the construction of
a new Fire Station has been allocated for the BFP in Laoag City.
On September 6, 2019, Mr. Keon presided over a dialogue
with several members of business organizations, owners of business
establishments, officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways and
the PNP Traffic Division to resolve important issues and concerns regarding the
on-going road clearing operations and the implementation of the new traffic
scheme in Laoag City.
The reason in the implementation of the traffic scheme
and road clearing operations is because the previous administration did not
implement proper zoning laws.
“When I took the helm of the City of Laoag, I brought
with me a sincere promise of change and genuine public service to the people of
Laoag. Our city was beset with so many problems surrounding the Laoag City
Public Market and Commercial Complex and the Laoag City General Hospital. I
made a promise that I will deal with all these issues and problems, and rest
assured that I will deliver. I beseech your patience because, the problems that
we are facing are very serious,” Mr. Keon said.
Laoag City public
market
The Laoag
City Public Market and Commercial Complex is a vital economic enterprise and
public utility, which contributes significantly to the income and general
welfare of the city and its people. The market could be the centerpiece of the
city’s effort to stimulate the city’s economy, create new jobs, provide
increased livelihood and entrepreneurial opportunities, and offer marketing
services and investment platforms to the citizenry.
Unfortunately, due to the inefficiency and negligence of
the previous administration, the market faces numerous problems and other
issues that need to be addressed immediately like the safety and security, cleanliness,
logistics, administration, and integrity of collections and remittances.
As a result, Mr. Keon made an initial consultation with all the
vendors and stall holders of the market and at the same he visited the market
last month to conduct follow-up meeting with all the vendors and stall holders
and address pressing issues and concerns.
According to Mr.
Keon, the city government already
started the process for the procurement of a new standby generator; hiring of
additional collectors and additional maintenance and utility personnel; installation
of uniform signages for every stall; purchase of new amplifiers for the PAS to
cover the remaining floors of the LCPMCC for important announcements and
reminders; procurement of an additional garbage truck/garbage compactor and a
new refrigerated meat van; and installation of the Market Management System at
LCPMCC that will manage all the transactions at the market including issuance
of receipts, monitor daily collections, rentals, business taxes and other
transactions pertaining to the operations of the LCPMCC.
LCGH
The Laoag
City General Hospital has also suffered from delay in the delivery of basic
services such as drugs and medicines and laboratory services, and more
importantly, the hospital suffered severely from its administration, operations
and financial standing.
There are a lot of consignments that needed to be paid
such as in those in the laboratory. The
consignors for the reagents/chemicals used in various laboratory services were
not being paid even though patients who availed of the services paid for such.
As a result of this, the LCGH suffered greatly from insufficient medical
supplies and services because consignors are no longer interested in entering
into a consignment agreement due to unpaid balances. As of the end of August,
the total amount of unpaid balances to various suppliers is PHP63.485 million.
In addition to the unpaid balances to consignors, the
hospital has also outstanding accounts payable to several suppliers and service
providers for various expenditures like repairs and maintenance, gasoline,
dietary and laundry, office and janitorial supplies, and purchase of other
drugs and medicines amounting to PHP12,747,057.27 as of August 31 of this year;
The construction of a new building with a budget of PHP55 million for the expansion of the
Emergency/Surgical Rooms and Dialysis Facility is currently put on hold pending
the release of the remaining funds. The contractor has already submitted a
statement of work accomplished/progress billing and corresponding request for
progress payment for 80% of work accomplished;
Supply and installation of Modular Bank/Expendable Type
of Medical Oxygen-Generating Machine using Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA)
technology with a total production capacity of 50 to 100 tanks per day, including installation of distribution lines
system worth PHP25 million. This
facility was inaugurated by the previous administration in the last days of the
election however, it was never utilized. The plant is not functioning because
of incomplete, low class/substandard paraphernalia. Further, apart from these
issues, there is no power source installed within the system. The oxygen plant
needs a separate transformer to be fully operational. Moreover, it was found
out during inspection that the plant still needs another funding for the
installation of tubes/distribution lines that will connect the oxygen plant to
the different facilities and rooms at LCGH. This facility would have been a
source of revenue to LCGH because it could have supplied the oxygen needs of
other hospital facilities/clinics.
A new Endoscopy Tower with Colonoscope, Gastroscope and
Bronchoscope was purchased for Php13.2M.
The new machine was pulled out by the supplier because there was a
problem with the processor.
Low Temperature Plasma Free Sterilizer worth PHP8 million. This machine is not
functioning and was never utilized because nobody was instructed on how the
machine functions, and nobody was taught how to operate the machine. Further,
the machine cannot stay in the operating room and needs a separate enclosure
because it functions on gas. It emits toxic fumes that might cause the machine
to explode;
The existing CT Scan at LCGH is not functioning. The CT
Scan was purchased through a loan from DBP amounting to Php75M from Demetron, Inc., the sole supplier. However, upon further
investigation, Philips, the exclusive distributor of the equipment, disclosed
that they have no records of selling any CT Scan for LCGH. Because of this,
there was a suspicion that the CT Scan was not brand new.
As a result, officials conducted a complete inventory of
medical equipment, supplies and fixtures in order to reconcile the inventory on
record versus actual physical inventory in all units and sections at LCGH; to
identify equipment that are unserviceable for condemnation; to identify equipment
that are new but were never utilized and inappropriate for use in the hospital;
and to identify equipment that were donated by DOH;
Empowering
barangays in nation-building
Nation-building
begins in the community.
Mr. Keon believes that the
progress of the city can only be realized by first attaining progress and
development in the barangays—the smallest political units of the government.
Together with Jerico Peralta, the provincial government
barangay affairs officer, the city distributed bags of cement to some barangays
of Laoag City on September 18, 2019. This activity is a joint undertaking of
the Laoag City and the Ilocos Norte governments through Ilocos Norte Governor
Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc as part of the commitment of then-Ilocos Norte Governor,
now Sen. Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos, for various developmental projects
and improvements of the different barangays.
As part of the clean and green program of the city
government, Mr. Keon personally led the distribution of paints for the
beautification of the different barangays on August 23, 2019. “It is my aim to
bring back the cleanliness and beauty of this great city,” the new mayor said.
“Isubli tayo iti dati nga raniag ken rimat iti
Sunshine City Laoag!” he added.
Good governance,
administration
At the
onset of his first 100 days in office, he created the Laoag City Inventory Team
with the primary function to visit all offices to conduct inventory on all
properties and equipment owned by the city government. The team was composed of
staff from the City Mayor’s Office, City Vice Mayor’s Office, City Engineering
Office and the General Services Office.
He commended the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of
Laoag headed by Laoag Vice Mayor Vicentito Lazo for their full support and
cooperation to the thrusts and programs of the city government through the
passage of important measures, ordinances and resolutions, all for the benefit
of the people of Laoag.
He underscored his leadership and management style, and
how he approached things and situations in life were influenced by my
upbringing.
He said that he is not the type of leader who is personal
and I strongly negate the Filipino culture of practicing “who you know and not
what you know” in government service. His philosophy and approach to public
administration is solely based on merit and competence.
“There are people here who I don’t necessary
like however, be that as it may, the most important thing is that, you, whether
you are a department head or ordinary employee, how I assess you is based on
work, and work alone, nothing more. I do not assess anyone based on their past
relationships with anyone in the city. What I care about is how a person works
and serves the interests of the city. That is my benchmark in judging you. The
most important thing is to never get personal with people regardless of what
happens and what a person does”, he noted
After his first 100 days, he stated on the record that “by
and large” he had “a good working relationship with all the department heads of
the city government, and that he was happy and pleased with all the way in
which he dealt with the various departments in the city hall, and the way
everything is being accomplished”.
According to him, he was not sure about the loyalty of
the employees in the city. He gave them time, and that’s why time is so
important. Through the passage of time, things unfold. He became aware of the
various situation and eventually he was enlightened.
His new set of leaders and workers in government are
prepared to make sacrifices for the people of this great city. This passion for
selfless dedication coupled with enthusiasm is the driving force of his
administration in pursuing his promises in making Laoag City truly a
“government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
Mr. Keon identified them as city administrator Atty.
Roxanne Lee I. Castro; city legal officer Atty. Josephus R. Nerez; chief of
police P/Lt. Col. Amador B. Quiocho; city accountant Ferdinand A. Quiroga; city
budget officer Nelda C. Casas; planning officer Ruby Rose R. Bunalade; CSWDO
Perlita B. Cabello; LCGH Administrator Dr. Eliezer John P. Asuncion; Ana
Carmela V. Remigio and Julie Ann M. Quiroga who have been helping out in the
supervision and administration of the City Tourism Office and Laoag City Public
Market and Commercial Complex, respectively.
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