NRA's integration into nearby barangays pushed

The Carreta barangay council has passed a resolution asking the City Council committee on laws, ordinance, good government and public accountability to pass a measure to integrate the North Reclamation Area (NRA) into its adjacent barangays.

During their time, former councilors Danilo Fernan and Carmelita Piramide had filed a proposal integrating the 165-hectare NRA into its surrounding barangays. Aside from Carreta, barangays Tejero and Mabolo will also benefit from the integration of NRA.

Although it was approved only in first reading, the ordinance was never deliberated on second reading after the council committee on laws recommended that the opinion of the Commission on Elections be sought.

The council committee on budget and finance also sought for the allocation of the budget for the plebiscite and for the integration of NRA.

Carreta barangay captain Marciano Ando said there is a necessity for the council to enact an ordinance for the NRA integration since his barangay has been compelled to accommodate the needs of the reclamation area's residents on peace and order, clearances, garbage collection and among others.

Ando said that despite the services rendered by his barangay to the residents of the north reclamation area, the city government has not given them support and recognition.

He added that taxes and revenues from the NRA are being remitted to the city. "Barangay Carreta is greatly in need of financial help to sustain its basic services for the residents of the north reclamation area."

Mayor Tomas Osmeña already expressed support for NRA's integration into other barangays, saying that they would earn more revenues through real estate taxes as a result of the move.

For example, the mayor said, SM City will become part of Mabolo while White Gold House will be under Carreta's jurisdiction.

Osmeña said the NRA's integration would enable its residents to enjoy the services from the barangay they belong.

It was in October 1988 when the council passed a resolution creating a non-barangay out of the NRA. - Garry B. Lao