Wednesday, October 24, 2007 Bogo marks first 100 days
EXACTLY 115 days since he assumed office as mayor of the newly converted City of Bogo, Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr. delivered his first formal report to his constituents.
“Tourism is the name of the game,” Martinez said in his State of the City Address.
The local government of Bogo and Alegre Beach Resort are in negotiations to develop Capitancillo, an islet that divers say is comparable with some of the best dive spots they’ve seen.
Martinez pointed out that Hilutungan Island of Cordova is earning P4 million a year from its diving industry.
Given that Capitancillo has more species of fish and other marine resources, he said, the mayor hopes Bogo will earn double what Hilutungan is earning now.
Martinez reported he has also created a local commission that will be tasked to identify areas in Bogo for tourism development.
The former congressman said he has received several calls from hotel developers who are interested to put up a resort in the city.
He committed to improve infrastructure, as part of efforts to promote tourism.
The “yes” votes of 23,955 voters finalized Bogo’s conversion into a city last June 16, some eight years since the bill to reclassify the municipality was first filed.
Bogo was one of over 20 towns granted an exemption by Congress from the new annual income requirement—P100 million, instead of only P20 million, excluding internal revenue shares—before they could become cities.
Martinez, in his report yesterday, said he has taken the first steps to provide livelihood for his constituents, particularly in hog and poultry raising.
Next month, Bogo City will start constructing a P20-million public market to accommodate street vendors, he added.
Martinez admitted the city has some problems with petty crime, such as theft and robbery cases blamed on minors.
Frustrated that authorities cannot criminally charge these minors because of a special law on juvenile welfare, the mayor said he will seek the business sector’s help in putting up a rehabilitation center for minors instead.
The City can provide the site and the building, while the private sector may take charge of the facility’s maintenance.
Bogo has also inquired from the Department of Energy on the gas deposits in Barangay Libertad, but was reportedly told this cannot be commercially developed just yet.
City councilors and other government employees, as well as guests from the private sector, attended yesterday’s activity. (MBG)
