TINEG, Abra -- People in this remotest town in Abra have much to thank their first lady mayor for setting an example of good local governance and initiating development in this municipality.
In her State of the Municipality Address, Mayor Corinthia Dannang-Crisologo shared how she took the challenge of initiating development in this long neglected town.
With the battlecry, “Bayan ng Tineg, Umasenso ka!” she said priorities had to be first identified and set. These priorities were road building, records management and bringing the local government closer to the people.
Among her first moves when she assumed office was to establish a satellite office in Sitio Vira, Barangay Alaoa where local officials and employees now hold office. A permanent municipal building is yet to be constructed in Poblacion, Agsimao, the supposed seat of the municipal government.
She also pushed for road building projects in the municipality including the ongoing project through the P50 million fund from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the LGU’s share in the Republic Act 7171 or the tobacco excise tax funds.
Seeing the need to establish systems in government operations, Crisologo initiated radical change in the financial management of the LGU. With this initiative, the LGU reduced the volume of documentary requirements in the financial transactions, and so with the audit reports. Moreover, financial reports are submitted to concerned agencies on time, and so is the enactment of the annual budget for 2014. Also, salaries of municipal employees are now disbursed through the Automated Teller Machine.
Crisologo also intensified the LGU’s campaign on local taxation increasing tax collection by 30 percent on real properties, businesses and other fees and charges.
As a result of the increased revenues, Crisologo said, they were able to procure one pick-up, one dump truck, and a three-hectare lot for the construction of the municipal building and other government instrumentalities.
On the delivery of basic social services such as health and education, Crisologo reported they have already a doctor who would lead the rural health personnel. She also worked for the enrolment of indigent families to the Philhealth and support to students, especially athletes. She shared Director Julius Cesar Sicat of the Department of Science and Technology assured the inclusion of Tineg one of the beneficiaries of its special project.
Crisologo thanked Abra Rep. Ma. Jocelyn Bernos for helping Tineg get their much needed electricity. Tineg is still off-grid up to now.
The first lady mayor also pursued the maintenance of peace and order. From a town previously associated with violence, it now has a zero crime rate. (Maritess Beñas)