AT LEAST four resolutions were introduced and unanimously approved by the new set of leaders in Ormoc City shortly after they were sworn into office Sunday, June 30.
Reelected Mayor Richard Gomez and his wife-Leyte Fourth District Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez said they were “elated” of the new city councilors under the Ormoc Development Team who will also start their new term of office.
“I look forward to working with them and delivering to Ormocanons the projects and programs that I have envisioned for Ormoc in the coming years,” said Gomez.
“Thank you very much for your confidence and trust in my administration, for giving me a second chance to lead you...I am humbled by your presence, and more so, on the validation that Ormocanons have given to my leadership by giving the Ormoc Development Team a ‘13-0’ win. I was told it was a historic win,” Gomez told the audience who stood as witnesses during their inauguration ceremony at the jam-packed Ormoc Superdome.
Led by Vice Mayor Toto Locsin, the new members of the 15th City Council, in an inaugural session inside the Superdome, approved the resolutions expressing sympathy over the untimely death of Councilor Dr. Mario "Mayong" Rodriguez, who passed away on June 24; commending the public for peaceful and orderly May 13, elections; expressing full support to the leadership and program of Mayor Gomez and of Representative Torres-Gomez.
The new council, in a quorum, are composed of Councilors Bennet Pongos, Roiland Villasencio, Tommy Serafica, Nolito Quilang, Gerry Penserga, Jasper Lucero, Perok Rodriguez, Vince Rama, Goito Yrastorza, and Lalaine Marcos.
Following his “Let’s Get Ormoc Moving Ahead” slogan, Gomez hoped to start working on making the Lake Danao Water System a reality as soon as possible.
“Water has always been a contentious issue in this city, but one thing is certain, we cannot continue to solve water issues on a piece meal basis. It is also ironic that six towns and one city are benefiting from Lake Danao, while Ormoc suffers. It’s time for us to harness the lake’s resources for our own use and solve our water problems for the next 25 or more years,” said Gomez.
Next in his agenda is the launching of the modernization program of the city’s transportation system, in line with the national program, on July 1.
His other major projects include solving the “growing need for shelter” in Ormoc, opening up more roads and schools, and increasing their capability to respond to disasters.
“The year 2018 and the first half of 2019 have been kind to Ormoc. There were no life-threatening calamities, but we cannot be complacent. We have to be ready for eventualities. We will be acquiring more ambulances, water trucks and fire trucks. We will put more automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in big barangays, and will continue to support programs on disaster prevention,” said Gomez.
His other “big projects” that he said are in line for the next three years are the slaughterhouse upgrade; improvement of the Lechonan; main market improvement; continue the Bagsakan backfilling; enhance peace and order programs and upgrade our Phillips street lights; lights and fans for Superdome; health, education, and social welfare; increase and strengthen livelihood programs; create sustainable tourism products; implement the City Land Use Plan and zoning ordinances like relocating vulcanizing shops to areas where they have ample parking; and clear the national highways of illegally parked vehicles.
Meanwhile, Gomez presented to the public his long-term vision for Ormoc, which include inviting industries that produce energy from waste and trash.
“Rather than looking at waste as such, we can view it as a resource. The National Government is giving grants for projects like this. I also dream of constructing a large scale composting facility, as well as community composting in the barangay level,” he said.
“We must also ban the use of single use plastics by 2021. We have to be decisive in this area if we must save Mother Earth for our children and their children. In response also to the needs of our people, we will be launching more health and wellness programs,” added the actor-turned-mayor.
He said they have already started a wellness program in the City Hall that allows their employees to get a 15-minute walking exercise in the morning, and another 15-minute in the afternoon.
“I also have dangled a prize for the ‘biggest loser’ and it seems the program has caught on. Some barangays have made their own versions of the challenge,” he said.
Gomez also said his administration “would also be investing more in the training of our people, and the professionalization of their craft.”
“In the hope of seeing a society where no Ormocanon is left behind, we are also strengthening our livelihood programs and aims at producing made in Ormoc crafts and produce in the next three years,” said the mayor, adding that he has “so many plans for Ormoc.”
“I would always like to emphasize that I will always have the best intention for Ormoc City. That all my decisions, and that of the Ormoc Development Team, will always redound to what is good for the majority. In the Gomez administration, our motto is ‘Serbisyo, Dili Negosyo,’” he said.
Torres-Gomez, for her part, said “the best is yet to come” in Ormoc and in the Fourth District under her term.
“I will make no proclamation except to say that everything is possible,” said the lawmaker, who also expressed her gratitude to those who supported their candidacy.
“To naysayers who tried relentlessly to kill the dreams, you taught us to be better warriors. Your oppression becomes our inspiration to fight back...You, too, will realize that our dreams are valid,” she said, assuring the public that the city and the district will be much better at the end of their term than how it started. (SunStar Philippines)