THE full name of the Lapu-Lapu City mayor is composed of 10 letters, and it is the acronym for his 10-point agenda that he will pursue in his second term.
Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan called it JUNARD CHAN.
The reelected local chief executive presented his agenda during the inaugural session of the 16th Sangguniang Panlungsod on Thursday, July 7, 2022.
Just and fair society
Chan said they must pursue a just and fair society, adding that there must be no room for discrimination in the city, especially for the members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community.
He noted the LGBTQ community’s call for the passage of an LGBTQ code, which would ensure equal rights for everyone regardless of gender and sexual preference.
The mayor also requested the City Council, now composed of his allies, to immediately pass the Devolution Transition Plan for the full implementation of functions, services and facilities to be fully devolved by the national government agencies starting in Fiscal Year 2022.
Unlimited access
Chan said there should be unlimited access to government services for his constituents, including the Olango residents, who he said must no longer have to travel to the mainland for their City Hall transactions and government services.
To realize this, Chan said they will make the Olango mini-city hall functional through a resolution declaring it as an extension of the Lapu-Lapu City Hall and require all frontliner offices and agencies, including police clearance unit of the Philippine National Police to set up their satellite offices.
By doing this, Chan said Olangohanons will be spared from spending for their fare.
No more brownouts
No more brownouts in Olango is Chan’s aim as he is eyeing to install solar lamps in all posts for the security of the residents. He has the same aim for the mainland.
He said this would be the challenge in his first 100 days.
Allocation of funds
Chan’s administration aims to allocate funds for the following: lot expropriation for the expansion of Olango cemetery that will cater to all religions; lot expropriation for the construction of Technical Education And Skills Development Authority building; and opening of new roads to solve the traffic problem.
Repair, restore, review
The reelected mayor also noted the need to repair and restore the City after Typhoon Odette (Rai), which struck the city on Dec. 16, 2021.
To realize this, the City Council will pass a supplemental budget for such a purpose.
Citing the lessons learned after Typhoon Odette, Chan said they will also implement the following measures: requiring banks, water refilling stations and gasoline stations to have a standby generator as a requisite to the issuance of business permit; requiring a subcontractor to secure business permit prior to its operation and execution of projects in the city; and purchasing of heavy equipments and dump trucks for rescue teams and clearing operations.
The City will also study the possibility of shifting to underground cable connection from the usual spaghetti wire connection to prevent the scenario of dangling wires and toppled lamp posts post- Odette that became a major traffic nightmare.
Chan said they will also review the Local Tax Code, Market Code, and all other codes pertaining to income generation to improve and increase the City’s revenue collection.
The tricycle fare rates will also be reviewed, citing the distress brought about by the oil price hikes; however, the interest of the riding public will also be considered as the full-seating capacity has been allowed in public transportation.
Repairing the multipurpose gym in Olango Island and requiring the installation of security cameras in establishments to prevent crimes are also part of Chan’s 10-point agenda.
Desalination plant
The mayor further said they aim to pursue the construction of a desalination plant to solve the water shortage in the city, particularly in Punta Engaño and Olango Island.
Construction projects
Chan also aims for the construction of big infrastructure projects such as bridge connecting Sitio Suba in Barangay Sabang to Barangay Pangan-an in Olango Island to shorten the travel time; skyway connecting from Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway to Mactan-Cebu International Airport to cut the travel time to and from the airport and decongest existing roads.
He also wants to pursue the construction of coastal highway traversing between Barangays Mactan and Pajo as an alternative route and decongest the traffic along the M.L. Quezon National Highway; and a boardwalk along the coast of Barangays Pusok and Pajo, similar to that one in Singapore as Chan’s aims to make the city “the little Singapore of the Philippines” in the future.
The other construction projects are an open drainage system along Barangay Basak to address the flooding problem, saying it is easy to maintain as it is less costly and easy to execute; new and bigger Lapu-Lapu City Hall, saying the current city hall is just like a barangay hall.
Chan also plans to create a special committee or task force to work on the titling of local government unit-owned lots in compliance with the recommendation of the Commission on Audit.
Health care, heightened patrol
Chan vowed to improve the city’s health care system by purchasing equipment and reagents needed in the Lapu-Lapu City Hospital.
The mayor said they will also heightened the coastal patrol by giving the Bantay Dagat its needed logistical support and provisions to carry out regular and intensified patrolling along Hilutungan Channel amid the recent spotting of giant sea turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks or butanding.
Chan said a budget will be allocated for the restoration of turtle point along the coastal area in Barangay Marigondon as well as the 25 diving spots that were damaged during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.
“The presence of these natural wonders and underwater sea attractions dugang nga kapital sa atong turismo, gawas sa nabantog na nga white sand beaches ug crystal blue waters. As we capitalize on their presence, we likewise need to protect their existence,” he said.
Amending investment code
Chan also emphasized the need to amend the Investment Code to make it relevant and attuned to the prevailing conditions. He will also seek the approval of the Forest Land Use Plan and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Necessary support
The mayor also mentioned the necessary support for livelihood of the fisherfolk by training them to raise fish in fish cages and farm seaweeds.
Chan also wants to strengthen education in the city through a partnership with the Department of Education as they cope with the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and prepare for the return of in-person classes.
He also noted the need to support sports by constructing multipurpose gyms that were damaged during Typhoon Odette, which is why he urged the new City Council to immediately pass the 2022 Annual Budget so they can start the repair and restoration.
Should the budget be approved, Chan said City Hall workers will also experience salary adjustment.