Ong believes new admin won’t affect ABC

CEBU, Philippines — The change of administration in Cebu City will not affect the delivery of services in the barangays, according to Association of Barangay Councils Cebu City Chapter president Franklyn Ong.

He told reporters that his office will continue to help in the implementation of programs and projects for the development of the respective barangays.

“Yes of course, even with the new administration, the intention of ABC is to continue the programs and projects that we have planned for this year,” he said.

On June 30, outgoing vice mayor Edgardo Labella will take over as the new mayor with former mayor Michael Rama as the vice mayor.

Aside from Ong, most of the barangay captains of the 80 barangays are affiliated with Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) local party of outgoing mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Among of the projects of ABC Cebu City Chapter this year is the giving of necessary materials in the barangays as assistance for the improvement of basic services.

The ABC has appropriated P12.5 million for the procurement of equipment such as computer units, portable sound systems, tents and others.

Ong said they are waiting for the election ban to be lifted so that they can procure these units to be distributed to the barangays.

Each barangay will receive one unit of computer, one unit of portable sound system, and one unit of tent, among others.

Ong expected to distribute the items between the months of July and August of this year.

Aside from this, ABC Cebu City Chapter is also offering programs such as hospitalization and disaster assistance to the barangays.

Ong emphasized that the ABC Cebu City Chapter is a non-partisan body and all barangays receive equal treatment and services.

The ABC officers are composed of BOPK allied barangay captains. Aside from Ong who is the president, other officers are Labangon barangay captain Victor Buendia as vice president, and Pahina Central barangay captain Carlo Yap as auditor.

The board of directors are Rex Milan of Kalubihan, Manuel Guanzon of Capitol Site, Omar Durano of Cogon Ramos, Nilo Tariman of Pit-os, Gremar Barete of Buhisan, Susan Enriquez of Kinasang-an, Michael Gacasan of Guadalupe, and Manolita Abarquez of Poblacion Pardo.

“I think most of them can speak for themselves that the ABC is always being open and neutral so everybody got their shares,” he said.

Ong is hopeful that they will get support from the new administration for their programs and projects for the barangays.

“Hopefully, we will also get the support of the administration kay kining atong ABC has always ever since we have been serving not only by party but the all association of barangay council,” he said. — MBG (FREEMAN)