Laoag council oks ‘Lead the way’ ordinance

Laoag Vice Mayor Rey Carlos Fariñas

By Dominic B. dela Cruz (staff reporter)

Laoag City—Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Laoag unanimously approved a “one of a kind ordinance” called “Lead the way” ordinance promoting respect, discipline, and civic responsibility in all public and communal spaces within the city of Laoag.

Laoag Vice Mayor and council presiding officer Rey Carlos Fariñas  said that it is the policy of the city Government of Laoag to promote and uphold the values of respect, discipline, and civic responsibility in all public and communal spaces, in alignment with City Ordinance No. 2024-034, otherwise known as the “Oplan Dalus Code”, in order to foster harmony, safety, cleanliness and community pride.

“The City of Laoag, whose name in Ilocano means bright and is proudly known as the Sunshine City, embodies a tradition of community pride, cultural vibrance and strong civic values,” Farinas said.

He added that respect, discipline, and civic responsibility are essential traits that preserve harmony, order, and safety in all public and communal spaces, ensuring these areas remain clean, welcoming, and reflective of the Laoagueño identity.

Public and communal spaces including parks, plazas, markets, schools, places of worship, government offices, recreational facilities, and thoroughfares—are shared environments that require the cooperation of all sectors of society to maintain their orderliness and dignity, he added.

In relation to this, the city government recognizes the need to sustain these values through a unified, city-wide effort that engages government offices, private establishments, civic groups, and citizens.

In short, Fariñas said the City of Laoag seeks to institutionalize the “Lead the way” program, a flagship advocacy that positions Laoag as a guiding light for respect, discipline, and civic responsibility, inspiring every Laoagueño, to lead by example.

The “Lead the way” ordinance promotes public awareness, foster stakeholder partnerships and encourage community action to instill positive habits and responsible citizenship for the benefit of present and future generations.

Fariñas added that “The ‘Lead the way’ program is hereby established as a flagship civic values initiative of the City of Laoag. It shall serve as the city’s long-term advocacy to instill and promote the values of respect, discipline and civic responsibility among all residents, visitors, institutions, and organizations.”

The “Lead the way” Program will also be integrated with the “Oplan Dalus Code” of Laoag City ensuring all existing policies on cleanliness, waste management, and environmental discipline which promotes consistent standards across all barangays and public spaces, reinforcing Laoag City’s commitment to a clean and orderly environment like cleanliness in public and communal spaces; Proper waste segregation and disposal; community participation in maintaining hygienic surroundings; and accountability of individuals, establishments, and barangays in upholding sanitation standards.

The city government ensures that all “Lead the way” activities, signage, and stakeholder engagements reflect and support the principles of the “Oplan Dalus Code”, thereby “creating a unified and sustainable culture of cleanliness and civic pride throughout Laoag City”.