IT WAS THE FIRST day of the scheduled hearings of the Mabalacat City government set for December at the Traveler's Hotel, Subic
Freeport Zone.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod was in full force, led by the City Vice Mayor Christian C. Halili as Presiding Officer with Councilors Benny Jocson, Gerald Guthrie Aquino, Rogelio "Jeng" Yumul Rolando "Rox" Pena, Froylan Galang, Eddie Sotto, Carlo Nino Rivera, Krizzanel Garbo, Doctor Oscar Aurelio, Amauri "Bok" Tiglao and Dwight Oliver Morales.
The hearing started at past 10 in the morning and the first department head to be put on the chopping block was Jeffrey "Jinkee" Santos, head of the City Solid Waste Management Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and the soon-to-be-set up City Environment and Natural Resources. Jinkee presented the programs, projects and activities of his
offices, a multi-tasking feat as he handles three related offices.
Next to be grilled was Josie Basilio, head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office. The center of discussion was the matter of the Badjao natives which, Josie related were lectured on civility, sanitation and hygiene at Baler Aurora. She disclosed that a budget has been provided for their relocation in Zambales.
Michael Miranda, head of the Persons with Disabilities office discussed his concerns and asked for equipment for the disabled as he disclosed the programs and trainings for the PWDs including teaching the sign language for the deaf.
Other programs for the physically and mentally-challenged were the provision of assistive devices such as wheelchairs crutches, and walking canes and burial assistance. The Annual General Assembly of PWDs is usually held this December.
Socorro "Cora" Lorena followed and she discussed the nutrition programs of the city especially for the under and malnourished. She presented her programs as consisting of nutrition education, nutrient supplementation
food production and food assistance. Councilor Rox Pena observed that there might be a duplication of programs with the CSWDO but Josie Basilio replied in the negative.
The ebullient Rolando "Choock" Santos next took the rostrum and slowly but firmly narrated his requests citing the same figures as last year but gently prodded the councilors to add some amount to his gasoline budget
as his office has motor vehicles on frequent assignments.
Councilor Pena then brought attention to the need to focus attention to the implementation of the Traffic Code which becomes implementable December 16.
UPAO's Joseph Lumanlan discussed shortly his office's proposal.
Following Jojo's short presentation, I also moved for approval of PESO office budget proposal for 2015. It was approved promptly as Vice Mayor Halili banged the gavel.
Elsie B. Angeles, the Executive Assistant, followed and presented her office's MOOE (Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses).
* * *
I wish to thank Junias Eusebio, Mall Manager of SM Pampanga as well as PR persons Rain and Liezl for the warm reception they gave me last week.