Monday, July 16, 2007 Mayor wants better service to Baguio folks
BAGUIO City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. has directed City Hall department heads to determine how to give better service to the general public.
He added that an actual check should be done in each City Hall office on how expeditious services are given such as the issuance of residence certificates, permits and licenses.
Coupled with this would be a security plan for City Hall. "The general public coming to City Hall to transact business should feel safe," Bautista said.
He also requested input from City Treasurer Thelma Manaois on the proposal of having a three-year business permit. The plan is seen to unburden office personnel and materials and also save time and resources for business personalities, who for now, have to renew their permits annually. The scheme, however, would be studied, presented to the public and put on a trial basis before actual implementation.
A centennial business plate may also be issued in time for the centennial celebrations in 2009, the mayor added.
Economic measures as to the use of office materials were also discussed during the meeting. Recycling and re-use of materials were encouraged especially for inter-office communications.
It was made known during the forum that the City Environment and Parks Management Office will now oversee the cleanliness of Malcolm Square, People's Park. This was after observations were received from the public on the sanitary conditions of the park.
Manaois informed the body that a field office was installed at Malcolm Square as paying center for the public. Most often, she said the field office is where tourists pay fines and penalties during Saturdays and Sundays.
As the issue on itinerant vendors was raised, Bautista emphasized that a solution to the problem may be a temporary but accessible space for market goers.
For the night market, the location broached was the city market while for the flea market, a place still needs to be pinpointed.
The plans, put in place in the past administration, had a listing of vendors done by City Administrator Peter Fianza, which will be the basis of future arrangements.
Bautista's intervention was also sought for the payment of the salaries of Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) Burnham Park employees. The employees, being paid by the National Government, requested for such action as the check from PTA is said delayed.
Baguio Councilor Pinky Chan-Rondez then informed the body of landscaping plans for the city's premier park. The details were then presented to the City Council during its session also last week.
Issues also ventured to fraternity and gang wars for which the mayor said is being coordinated with the Baguio City Police Office, as to the conduct of "operation kapkap."
Admitting that the matter is "urgent," Bautista emphasized that police visibility is needed especially along the university belt and adjacent areas.
There was also a request for the earlier cleaning of streets before the morning rush hours and the request of one barangay to field their own sweepers. The issue on additional honoraria for barangay security officers was also broached as well as the proposed barangay merger. Another proposal as to a collapsible multi-level parking was also brought out.
All matters were said to be under serious study and thereafter, will be presented to the proper body for procedures and implementation.
Bautista said he expects all matters discussed to be resolved and reported to the public after his 100 days of service on October 8. "With your help, I expect to deliver a positive report on that day," he said. (JF)
