Montelibano: Hope shines in Murcia

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

“Hope shines in Murcia,” said Murcia Mayor Andrew L. Montelibano in his State of the Municipality Address Tuesday, citing the significant improvement in the delivery of basic services to his constituents.

Montelibano delivered his report in the town’s gym before a crowd of his fellow public officials led by Vice Mayor Gerry Rojas and members of the town council, the 23 barangay captains, students, government workers, Department of Education officials and personnel, senior citizens and Murciahanons from all walks of life.

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His report dwelled on the improved performance of the Municipal Health Office, Murcia Social Worker Development office, Local Civil Registry, Local School Board/Education, Philippine National Police, Financial Assistance, Housing and Philhealth and NOCHIP.

In more than an hour of reporting, Montelibano expounded on the improved efficiency in local governance, local income, education of the poor but deserving students, peace and order, business climate and investment opportunities, tourism and other areas and concerns.

Montelibano gave importance to the newly constructed Municipal Health center, which is worth P7.5 million -- Representative Albee Benitez provided P3 million, Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. provided P3 million and the Department of Health provided P1.5 million -- in order to realize this project, which he considered now as a “dream come true”.

“Thanks to Cong. Benitez, to Governor Marañon and the DOH for helping us realize our dream of having our own Health Center. Given the 83% increase in the number of patients served by the Municipal Health Office from 27,682 patients in 2010 to 50,648 in 2011, we deserve to have our new Health Center,” he said.

Single parents and other poor families were provided subsidy between P10,000 to P15,000 each family under the 4Ps program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The town also received P10.35 million grant with the LGU putting up a counterpart of P4.7 million for the KALAHI-CIDDS program that directly benefit the different barangays.

Montelibano also administered the wedding of 419 couples in 2010, 34 couples in February of 2011 and 181 couples in December of 2011 where the oldest groom was 52 years old whose bride was 50.

He added that 20,000 school children enrolled in Murcia’s 28 public elementary schools comprising DepEd’s District I and II while students of five national high schools were provided with free insurance.

The LGU has 131 scholars who are enrolled at NONESCOST, 68 at the Central Philippine Adventist College, 72 more in public high schools, 50 elementary and others are being subsidized by the local government.

He also cited the Hall of Fame Award by the Minoyan elementary school in the “Brigada Eskuela”, having topped the annual evaluation in three consecutive years. Cansilayan National High School also named as “Brigada Eskuela” regional qualifier.

Montelibano also reported, that despite the increase in PhilHealth contribution, he continued the membership of the 13,098 Murciahanons. They also have membership with the NOCHP program of the provincial government with 6,750 beneficiaries.

Montelibano lauded the confidence now being enjoyed by Murcia from investors. Lopue’s has its own business now in the town which started last December 2011. Sta. Clara Arcade, owned by the family of Vice-Mayor Rojas, also opened for business last December 7, 2011 and provided job opportunities and an economic boost to the town.

Murcia was named as recipient of the National Government’s Seal of Good Housekeeping. It received P1 million.

“This is a municipality that bats for anti-corruption,” he stressed.
He was also proud that Murciahanons are given the opportunity to hone their boxing skills. With boxing champ Donie Nietes helping him, there are 17 boxing scholars under the watch of Nietes. “We also train our athletes with Taekwando and they brought honors to Murcia by winning medals in the provincial, regional and national competitions,” he said.

Moreover, Montelibano strengthened the fight against illegal logging and illegal drug pushing. He once nabbed the illegal loggers.

“I want Murcia to be free from illegal logging and illegal drug pushing town,” he said.

While the IRA will be reduced by 4–8%, they had to identify measures so that the LGU would be able to cope. Murcia has a 2011 IRA share of P125 million. But in 2012, this will be lowered once the DBM takes away the projected reduction.

In terms of finances, Murcia has a 13% surplus in 2011 and he thanked the good financial managers of the city in keeping wisely the city coffers.

In terms of collection, Murcia is way beyond their target. Business and other local taxes, fees and charges, and receipts from economic enterprise registered a 115.7% collection efficiency in 2011. This translates to P17.9 million in terms of local revenues.

Montelibano also stressed that the LGU has no suspension, disallowances and charges. The LGU has made sure that all transactions have been certified as to validity, legality and propriety with complete supporting documents and in accordance with accounting and auditing rules and regulations. (CNC/TED)