MAYOR Celso Lobregat has challenged the members of Zamboanga City's legislative body and other officials to work together to bring progress and development in Zamboanga City.
Lobregat made the challenge as the new set of city councilors from this city's two congressional districts held its maiden session Wednesday.
Lobregat emphasized that supporting the plans and programs of the executive branch will not make the legislative body a rubber stamp, as his critics claimed, "but rather a branch of government that blends passion, reason and courage to further move Zamboanga City forward."
"By working together, we can overcome the challenges we face. We have a great team in this new City Council, a productive vice mayor, an action-oriented council members, and a huge opportunity to continue serving our constituents. Let's get to work with renewed energy and enthusiasm," Lobregat said.
He said the City Government will implement massive infrastructure program, enhance and develop tourist sites and attractions, and "continue our assistance to law enforcement agencies, public schools and the barangays."
He spelled out some priority measures he would endorse to the legislative body for urgent action, which include an ordinance operationalizing the City Museum at the Jardin Maria Clara in Barangay Pasonanca; an ordinance setting the rules and regulations for the operation and maintenance of Plaza del Pilar; an ordinance setting the rules and regulations for the operation and maintenance of public cemeteries in the barangays of Mampang and Talabaan; an ordinance amending the Local Fisheries Code; an ordinance amending the operation of the City Abattoir or Slaughterhouse; an ordinance amending the use and operation of the Vitaliano Agan coliseum and the Joaquin F. Enriquez, Jr. Memorial Sports Complex; other local revenue-generating ordinances; and an ordinance for the annual budget for 2011, that for the first time in history of Zamboanga is projected to be over P2 billion.
Lobregat also vowed to confront the challenges brought about by the kidnapping cases, the spate of shooting incidents in some parts of this city as well as basic issues concerning the power and water crises.
A businessman, who was kidnapped last June 17, remains in captivity and the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) chaired by Lobregat is exerting efforts to secure the safe release of the hostage.
Lobregat said that working in unison with the mayor will mean fulfillment of the councilors' commitment to the people as public servants. (Bong Garcia)