Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes revealed his priority projects and said he expects the full support of the City Council.
In his speech at the council’s inaugural session yesterday, the mayor promised to prioritize programs for the environment, education, shelter needs, the city workers’ pay and the needs of senior citizens and the youth.
He recalled his unpleasant experiences with the previous opposition-dominated City Council and said it pushed him to seek Divine Providence.
Cortes, in an interview after his speech, said Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president Gian Gobalani, a nephew of former congresswoman Nerissa Soon-Ruiz who ran against him but lost, is now his ally.
Allies of opposition party Nagkahiusa, Councilors Editha Cabahug and Emmarie Ouano-Dizon, also signified their support for Cortes administration, the mayor said.
“We expect more projects, wa na’y babag,” Cortes told reporters.
At the start of the inaugural session, Councilor Diosdado Suico sought permission from Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede to recognize Association of Barangay Council (ABC) President Jovita Tuela Zambo Ouano.
“I hereby recognize Joy Ouano as an ex-officio member of the council,” Bercede said during the inaugural session.
Bercede and Ouano had a three-year battle over the vacancy in the ABC president’s seat.
After recognizing Ouano, Bercede declared a recess as three councilors fetched the mayor to join the inaugural session.
In his speech, the mayor challenged the city’s legislators to prioritize the environment.
He told reporters, in a press conference, that he will ask Bercede to speed up the release of funds for the 27 dump trucks to replace dilapidated ones.
He urged legislators to build more classrooms and to increase the City Government’s financial support and subsidy for the Mandaue City College, headed by Dr. Susana Cabahug.
He also asked for assistance to senior citizens for their maintenance medicines as well as aid to persons with disabilities and the youth.
The mayor said he anticipates legislators to support his plan to acquire housing sites for informal settlers and qualified government employees, as he promised to review and evaluate the compensation package for City Hall workers.
“The moment employees have financial problems, they are no longer effective at work,” Cortes said. (OCP)