I WOULD like to take up some salient points in the inaugural speech of Mayor Mark J. Golez, the 20th mayor of Silay City. His administration is anchored on the slogan “Asenso Silay, Asenso Sang Panimalay.” The mayor believes that if there is progress in Silay, Silaynons will also benefit.
Mayor Mark (just like President Digong) declared an all-out war against illegal drugs and also those involved in the trade (drug pushers, patrons and financiers).
He has given orders to Superintendent Willy Diel, Silay chief of police, to go on angling and that would include the big fish.
This could be an assurance to parents and teachers that something is being done to protect the children. This led to the surrender of Silay City’s number one drug personality Alain Gamboa to Mayor Mark and Superintendent Diel.
Addicts are victims and the Silay City Government will provide a sustainable rehabilitation program. We have our children’s center and trained social workers from the City Social Welfare and Development for the job. Probably, curfew hours for children will be implemented properly and “rugby kids” will be given full attention.
We know that Silay City Police Station is already knocking at the doors of the Silaynons who are in the list. We solicit the help of the community, teachers, and church leaders.
Food sufficiency will be attained by extending appropriate assistance to all farmers especially the beneficiaries of the land reform program. This could be extended also to our organic farmers, indigenous people (Bukidnon tribe) of Sitio Sibato, and the small farmers who are dependent on rain for their rice lots in the hill slopes. Seeds and seedlings will also be distributed to those who engage in backyard gardening.
Assistance will be extended also to food processors. Silay is noted for its hometown delicacies. Our government cooperative and livelihood programs can boost the income of those who engage in the preparation of chorizo, tocino, and other varied meaty menu. Fisherfolk could be assisted in their shrimp paste (ginamos production) and “kalkag” preparation (dried tiny shrimps).
Landless workers and informal settlers could be trained in the “Trabajo Program” of the Department of Interior and Local Government. Silay was provided P5 million through the Public Employment Service Office. This is a pilot project of the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) under the Bacolod-Talisay-Silay Tourism Circuit.
The mayor vowed to improve government facilities especially the public market. Our public market has to be competitive so that our vendors can gain profit. We have to attract market goers and businessmen to our wet and dry markets. We have to do this, or else hypermarkets and supermarkets will siphon everything. Business is a competition. We have to make our public market the best by being clean, orderly, and service-oriented.
It is a dream to be realized that Silay City College will take center stage in our community. Children of farm workers who cannot afford the tuition of colleges and universities in Bacolod may have a place to obtain low-cost and high quality education. Our Department of Education buildings will be enhanced also to accommodate more pupils and students enrolled in the K to 12 curriculum.
Tax policies will be reviewed to find win-win solutions for the taxpayers and the Silay City Government. Silay City needs a favorable income to sustain its programs and projects that will benefit the Silaynons like roads, bridges, schools, daycare centers, lamp posts.
Real property owners and businessmen are encouraged to pay their taxes on time. Your taxes make the government work faster.
There will be the enhancement of programs for the senior citizens and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to make our grandparents happy and alleviate the economic status of those who are in the grassroots.
Government aids during calamities will be delivered on time to the victims and that includes the materials for fast rehabilitation.
A universal health program will be facilitated for Silaynons (free, with quality service). We need strong and healthy Silaynons to be our partners in community building. Mayor Mark said that more programs and projects are coming soon. The mayor has spoken and he has appealed for cooperation and unity.
“We are one in prayers, one in development, one in enjoying the fruits of our labor.” He said this as he appeals for togetherness. Good luck Mayor Mark Golez! God bless.