Bacolod City Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya reported yesterday his accomplishments for the first 365 days, during his State of the District Address (SODA) at Bacolod Pavillon Hotel.
Political leaders led by Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, Councilors Bart Orola and Renecito Novero, and City Administrator John Orola, Jr., barangay officials and partymates attended Gasataya’s SODA. Also, business leaders Frank Carbon of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), and Negros Tsinoy group’s Fred Barcelona were in attendance. Congressman Gasataya reported that in 365 days, he was able to accomplish various services benefiting Bacolodnons. These, he said, include sports activities involving all barangays like basketball, chess, shooting, Masskara motocross, karatedo, and burador kite-flying events. Also, a series of medical and dental missions during which he distributed 160 wheelchairs, and assisted 11 patients for treatment at the Philippine Heart Center and Philippine General Hospital, with estimated funds of P8 million at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital. He also facilitated free college education of some 700 scholars through the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) with P8.26 million. He also extended livelihood assistance to indigent families, and availed of P1.6 billion fund support from the Duterte Administration, P400-M of which is being used in the ongoing fly over project at the Araneta-Magsaysay intersection, and P1.2-M for other finished and still ongoing infrastructure projects like roads, drainage, flood control projects, etc. As legislator, Gasataya reported that he was able to file 32 personally-authored bills, 4 of which were approved already and one is the free college education bill, reduction of optional retirement, and extended maternity leave. He co-autghored 79 bills in Congress. He said the ongoing P4-B Bacolod Economic Highway that includes rights of way from Brgy. Sum-ag to Brgy. Bata measuring 21 kilometers at 54 meters wide, will boost economic development for the city like establishments of hotels, industries, factories and subdivisions. “This will ease traffic congestion at downtown,” he said. Starting 2018, Cong Gasataya said, or in the next 6 months there will be additonal 300 classrooms amounting to half a billion pesos to be constructed; additional flyover to be put up at Lopue’s East; and road construction from Bangga Cory to Murcia which were approved already; the widening of the road to Brgy Alangilan, and changing of all tourism lights in the city. Also, the budget for the Bacolod Economic Highway in the amount of P2-B has been included in the 2018 national budget. Gasataya said he still has lots of things to do. If it is necessary that he will sponsor a bill to support the improvement of water services of the Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA), he will do so. He will also request the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to allow the entry of renewable energy to Bacolod considering it is a fast growing city. His bases in serving the people, he said is his desire to deliver social and basic services, especially education as a vital support to uplift the well being of the less privileged. “We will continue to grow, considering that we work hand in hand with Mayor Bing, Vice Mayor El Cid, city councilors and the barangay officials,” he said. Bacolod Mayor Leonardia lauded Gasataya’s performance despite his being a neophyte national legislator. “With Cong Greg, Vice Mayor El Cid and the incumbent city councilors, the political order in Bacolod is in order.”* (Edith B. Colmo)
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A BACOLOD City lawmaker on Sunday, July 30, said P1.6 billion in infrastructure projects are being implemented by the National Government in the city between July 1, 2016 and July 2017. Bacolod City Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya, in his State of the District Address (Soda) or Congressman's Report on Sunday, said he is thankful to President Rodrigo Duterte that for the past 365 days projects such as road repair and constructions, drainage programs, Bacolod economic highway, and flyover were granted to Bacolod. Of the P1.6 billion, P400 million was funded for the construction of the Magsaysay-Araneta flyover. Gasataya said in a span of four months, the Department of Health paid close to P8 million worth of medical assistance to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital for the people of Bacolod. He said his office facilitated assistance to a total of 8,500 patients. “It’s one of my big accomplishments to extend the life of our constituents," Gasataya added. In his first 365 days, Gasataya authored and co-authored more than 70 House resolutions and bills such as the resolution on high fructose corn syrup, amendment of sugar sweetened beverages excise tax, free tuition and other school fees in state universities and colleges, national feeding program in public elementary and kindergarten, tax reform, expanded health insurance coverage, magna carta for the poor, national sports training center, June 18 Charter Day, additional legislative district, increase in age of declared dependents, establishment of Commission on Higher Education and Professional Regulatory Commission offices in Bacolod, two additional branches of municipal trial courts, infrastructure and road network, consistent pension for senior citizen and increase of Social Security System pension, reduction of optional retirement age to 56, extended maternity leave, among others. Gasataya said his office also provided scholarships program to almost 1,000 Commission on Higher Education scholars in Bacolod. He also sponsored several sport programs like basketball league, chess and karate tournaments, kite-flying competition, among others. Gasataya said for the coming years, more improvements and projects will be implemented in Bacolod. He said the construction of road from Bangga Cory towards Murcia, continues as well as the road widening in Barangay Alangilan, road construction in Barangay Sum-ag, and the lighting system, which were already included in 2018 national budget. The lawmaker added that P1 billion is also included for the construction of the New Bacolod Economic Highway, and the National Government also approved another flyover in the area of Lopue’s East. Gasataya also vowed to address the water and electricity supply concerns in Bacolod. He added that he is planning to file a resolution for a congressional inquiry to address the water supply problem. “Let us work together for the development and improvement of our city," he appealed to Bacolodnons. Gasataya’s Soda was attended by Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, councilors, barangay officials, and business group leaders.
THE vice mayor of Bacolod City on Sunday, July 23, said barangays not complying with the implementation of “no segregation, no collection” policy can be charged by the Department Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“Barangay officials have no choice or else they will receive a notice of violation from the DENR,” Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said. Familiaran noted that barangay officials were already informed that by September, the city government will implement the waste segregation policy. “We need the cooperation of everybody for the implementation of Republic Act 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000," he added. Last week, Mayor Evelio Leonardia ordered the creation of Solid Waste Action Team, chaired by Familiaran, along with the Solid Waste Enforcement and Educators Team (Swet), and Waste Analysis Characterization Study. The Swet will conduct an information and education campaign in the barangays and will submit a report to the DENR. Familiaran said the Swet will determine the compliance of the 61 barangays. The City Government had earlier postponed the implementation of “no segregation, no collection” policy to give concerned personnel more time to prepare. Familiaran said the DENR demanded the start of the implementation of waste segregation next month, but the Swat team asked for more time to prepare. On Thursday, July 20, Familiaran held a meeting with barangay officials for the implementation of the waste segregation. The vice mayor said some barangay officials aired their sentiments on facing difficulty in apprehending violators within their respective villages. “The role of barangay officials is very important. Hopefully, we could educate our residents on how to segregate waste at source,” he said. Three teams will also conduct information and education campaign among business establishments and schools as well as associations of public utility vehicles (PUVs), tricycles, and pedicabs. Familiaran said that PUVs are being hired by residents to dump their wastes in other areas By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA BACOLOD City – The “no segregation, no collection” policy will start in September.
Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, chairman of the Solid Waste Action Team, said this after he met with 61 village chiefs on July 20. The Solid Waste Education Enforcement Team of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) will monitor barangays, Familiaran said . Under City Ordinance No. 479, the barangay is entitled to 50-percent share from the proceeds of garbage service charges collected from business establishments. Familiaran said barangays can use this fund to implement Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. The EMB will also conduct a waste analysis characterization in barangays and business establishments as a part of the policy. The EMB advised the city government to implement the policy in August but they are yet ready, Familiaran said. Familiaran is set to meet with schools, business establishments and other concerned sectors to discuss the policy./PN BY MAE SINGUAY BACOLOD CITY, July 24 -- City officials here were found the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte comprehensive and straightforward as he presented the concerns and issues during his more than two-hour report to the Filipinos. The Chief Executive stated the country’s real present situation, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said. Familiaran said he believed the plans presented by President Duterte, particularly on peace and order, tax reform law, health, corruption and charter change for federalism, were doable and achievable within his term. For his part, Councilor Wilson Gamboa said the President’s SONA showed the Duterte style of rhetorics. “He was sincere, straightforward, brutally frank, pissed off, disappointed, dared, and not backing off which endeared him more to the people,” Gamboa added. Councilor Caesar Distrito said the President’s speech was really comprehensive, giving emphasis on massive infrastructure known as “build, build, build,” among others. Distrito also noted the President’s focus on the lifting of the temporary restraining order for reproductive health as well as the effort to run against tax evaders like cigarette manufacturer Mighty Corp. The councilor also welcomed mentions on the smoking ban in public places, free Wifi connectivity, healthcare, military welfare hospital modernization, streamlining against bureaucratic red tape, rejection of increase of bonuses and allowances for government-owned and -controlled corporations, education of the youth, and recognition of the role of overseas Filipino workers. Distrito, however, raised concern on the President calling out media outlets ABS-CBN and Rappler. “Democracy safeguards free press. An attack to press is an attack to democracy," he added.(Nanette L. Guadalquiver/PNA) BACOLOD City – Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran has been designated as chairman of the Solid Waste Action Team (SWAT) tasked to monitor the implementation of the waste segregation program in this city.
The “no segregation, no collection” policy here is scheduled to take effect just before the MassKara Festival this coming October. Familiaran said the SWAT met with barangay officials Thursday to discuss their role in waste segregation. “The role of barangay officials is very important. Hopefully, we can educate our residents on how to segregate waste at source,” the vice mayor said. Familiaran said Mayor Evelio Leonardia formed the SWAT along with the Solid Waste Enforcement and Educators Team (SWET), and Waste Analysis Characterization Study (WACS). “We should study the waste dumped by our residents,” he added. Familiaran said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has directed the city government to start the implementation of waste segregation in August, but the SWAT team asked for more time to prepare. Last March, Leonardia said the city government will provide financial assistance to the barangays for the implementation of the “no segregation, no collection” policy. “Every barangay will be given a budget for the solid waste management program, and the officials should use it properly,” the mayor said. Department of Public Services head Nelson Sedillo had earlier said that only segregated garbage will be dumped in the landfill. The “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000,” provides that local government units shall be primarily responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this law within their respective jurisdictions. The law also mandates the adoption of a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that targets solid waste avoidance and volume reduction through source reduction and waste minimization measures while giving primordial consideration to and ensuring the protection of the public health and environment. It also seeks to ensure the proper segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste through the formulation and adoption of the best environmental practice in ecological waste management excluding incineration. (NLG/PNA) THE Bacolod City Government has formed the Solid Waste Action Team (Swat) to monitor the implementation of waste segregation that will start before the MassKara Festival in October.
Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, chairman of Swat, said Wednesday, July 19, that Mayor Evelio Leonardia ordered its creation along with the Solid Waste Enforcement and Educators Team, and Waste Analysis Characterization Study. Swat vice chairperson is Councilor Cindy Rojas, and its members include the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Public Information Office, Department of Public Service, among others. “We should study the wastes that have been dumped by our residents in various areas," Familiaran said. He said a series of meetings were already conducted for the implementation of Republic Act No. 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. The City Government had earlier postponed the implementation of “no segregation, no collection” policy to give concerned personnel more time to prepare. Familiaran said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) demanded the start of the implementation of waste segregation next month, but the Swat team asked more time for preparation. The Swat will meet with the barangay officials on Thursday, July 20 to determine their role in the implementation of the “no segregation, no collection” policy. “The role of the barangay officials is very important. Hopefully, we could educate our residents on how to segregate waste at source,” Familiaran said. He said the DENR will give a P1 million cash prize for the clean and green barangay winner. The non-compliant barangays may face penalties or charges, Familiaran added. By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA BACOLOD CITY, July 20 -- Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran has been designated as chairman of the Solid Waste Action Team (SWAT) tasked to monitor the implementation of the waste segregation program in this city. The “no segregation, no collection” policy here is scheduled to take effect just before the MassKara Festival this coming October. Familiaran said the SWAT met with barangay officials Thursday to discuss their role in waste segregation. “The role of barangay officials is very important, Hopefully, we can educate our residents on how to segregate waste at source,” the vice mayor said. Familiaran said Mayor Evelio Leonardia formed the SWAT along with the Solid Waste Enforcement and Educators Team (SWET), and Waste Analysis Characterization Study (WACS). “We should study the waste dumped by our residents,” he added. Familiaran said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has directed the city government to start the implementation of waste segregation in August, but the SWAT team asked for more time to prepare. Last March, Leonardia said the city government will provide financial assistance to the barangays for the implementation of the “no segregation, no collection” policy. “Every barangay will be given a budget for the solid waste management program, and the officials should use it properly,” the mayor said Department of Public Services head Nelson Sedillo had earlier said that only segregated garbage will be dumped in the landfill. The “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000,” provides that local government units shall be primarily responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this law within their respective jurisdictions. The law also mandates the adoption of a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that targets solid waste avoidance and volume reduction through source reduction and waste minimization measures while giving primordial consideration to and ensuring the protection of the public health and environment. It also seeks to ensure the proper segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste through the formulation and adoption of the best environmental practice in ecological waste management excluding incineration.(Nanette L. Guadalquiver/PNA) BACOLOD City – Mayor Evelio Leonardia created a team that will lead the solid waste management programs of the city.
The Solid Waste Action Team, or SWAT, shall undertake projects that will keep Bacolod “clean and green,” pursuant to the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, Leonardia said. Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran sits as SWAT chairperson and Councilor Cindy Rojas, vice chairperson. Serving as members are Sangguniang Panlungsod secretary Vicente Petierre III, Secretary to the Mayor Edward Joseph Cuansing, City Environment and Natural Resources Office head Maximino Sillo, Executive Assistant Butch Soliguen, Public Information Office head Danny Dangcalan, Hilda Lluisma of the Human Resource and Management Office, Ma. Victoria Parreñas of the City Planning and Development Office, and Mary Jill Llama of the City Administrator’s Office. Under the SWAT are the Solid Waste Enforcement Education Team, or SWEET, and the Waste Analysis Characterization Study, or WACS. Today, Familiaran will meet with 61 village chiefs to introduce the team. The SWAT will monitor solid waste management initiatives in malls, subdivisions, public markets, and coastlines. A “clean and green” contest will also be held among barangays. The P1-million top prize will be given by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Familiaran said./PN BY MAE SINGUAY |
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