SAN Carlos is the first city in Western Visayas to launch its Citizens’ Charter in published form in compliance with Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act (Arta).

The launching of the citizen’s charter highlighted the 49th Charter Day anniversary of San Carlos City last July 1.

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Mayor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Vice Mayor Gerardo Valmayor Jr., the Citizens’ Charter steering committee and task force unveiled the booklet while members of the City Council unveiled the mission/vision/performance pledge and philosophy of service of the City Government.

Department of Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Ma. Joy Maredith Madayag, through a letter addressed to Mayor Lacson dated July 2, 2009, proclaimed that San Carlos is the first city in the region to launch its charter. Madayag added the Citizens’ Charter affirms the city’s commitment in furthering good governance in the local government unit.

The launching was graced by Civil Service Commission Regional Director Rodolfo Encajonado and Provincial Director Fernando Mendoza.

The Citizens’ Charter is a covenant to improve efficiency in the delivery of government service to the public by reducing bureaucratic red tape and avert graft and corruption. It was crafted by the Citizens’ Charter Task Force composed of heads of departments that provide frontline services to the public.

It was finalized and printed last June 19, and adopted by the City Council through Ordinance 13 enacted on June 25 and approved by the City Mayor on June 29.

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on July 4, 2009.