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Thursday, April 21, 2005
Balamban opposes Occidental Cebu bill
THE Municipal Council of Balamban has officially requested Rep. Antonio Yapha to withdraw his bill converting Cebu’s third district into a separate province.
Balamban is one of seven local government units in the district, most of which are Yapha’s allies and already expressed support to Yapha’s move.
Passed in mass motion, Balamban’s resolution told Yapha that the creation of Cebu Occidental will not only affect Cebu’s identity and culture but also its finances.
“The Municipal Government has seen the bill that seeks to carve out Occidental Cebu (as) immaterial and senseless and will only hamper the socio-economic growth of the entire Province,” read the resolution.
Even before the plan to divide Cebu was formalized, Balamban Mayor Alex Binghay was among the first local leaders who voiced opposition to the move.
Officials of Balamban, where big shipbuilding companies are located, told Yapha that having another local government unit will increase the expenses for personnel services and so is against President Arroyo’s program to downsize government agencies.
“It will also prejudice the continued efforts of promoting the island of Cebu as viable tourism and investment destination,” the resolution reads.
“It will not uphold the ideals, objectives and policies of the government towards social, cultural and political development through the spirit of cooperation, unity and solidarity,” added the officials.
Yesterday, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia with local officials of Balamban, the biggest of the district’s six towns in terms of income. She also went to other parts of the district, such as Aloguinsan and Tuburan.
Like Balamban, Alo-guinsan Mayor Cynthia Moreno is also against the move. Tuburan’s officials, however, went with Toledo City, Pinamungajan and Barili in supporting Yapha.
In her meetings with local elected leaders, Garcia mentions the disadvantages of creating separate provinces.
Aside from Yapha, Rep. Clavel Martinez also filed a bill for a Cebu del Norte, and Rep. Simeon Kintanar, for a Cebu del Sur. (JPM)
(April 21, 2005 issue)
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