City to replace busted lamps

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council has directed the Streetlighting Division of the Department of Public Services to replace busted lamps in the mountain barangays with new ones.

Councilor Alvin Arcilla crafted the resolution following a visit to the city's mountain areas where he saw the defective lamps, which allegedly threaten the security of both the residents and travelers.

"The replacement of these busted lamps is very essential to minimize accidents and discourage criminal elements to stay in these areas," said Arcilla.

Arcilla further requested the Streetlighting Division to thoroughly account and determine the cost estimate of additional street lamps to be installed, prioritizing those with existing posts and electricity.

The Councilor cited Section 17 of the Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, mandating local government units to discharge functions "incidental to efficient and effective provision of basic services and facilities."

Talamban Barangay Captain Dario Arcilla, in a letter sent recently to Mayor Michael Rama through Councilor Arcilla, also requested the city government to fix the damaged sodium lights in his barangay.

The ten busted lamps are found along Talamban proper, at Highway 77, and in Sitio Ylaya, he said.

"The Talamban Barangay Council is doing its best to help you in your peace and order programs. But as we have been reporting to your good office, we still have a lot of damaged or busted street lights," the village chief said.

Arcilla's concern has been included in Councilor Arcilla's resolution, which was approved during the Council's regular session last Wednesday.