From revenue hike to more schools three-termer Chiong features financially-sound, liability-free Naga in one-hour ‘SONA’

CEBU, Philippines – The City of Naga's income hiked by P400 million over the past six years and the city is currently operating with no liabilities, according to Mayor Valdemar Chiong in his State of Naga Address (SONA) yesterday.

In his one-hour and eight-minute SONA delivered before thousands of residents and sector representatives at the old city hall grounds, Chiong said from P112 million in 2007, the city's income soared to P526 million last year, not including the P110 million Special Education Fund.

"Wala kitay utang. I can confidently say that the city government is financially sound. Ang atong kwarta giunsa man paggasto? Kini atong gigahin sa nagkalain-lain nga serbisyo, programa, proyekto ug development sa atong Naga," Chiong said.

Education

Education-wise, Chiong said they were able to construct 137 classrooms worth P115 million from 2008 to 2013.

In 2007, Naga only had six secondary schools but at present, it already has 21 national high schools scattered all over its 28 barangays.

Chiong, a three-termer mayor, said their scholarship program that started in 2012 has benefitted 277 scholars with the city having spent P12 million in tuition fees. The city eyes adding 50 more scholars for its new college, the Cebu Technological University-Naga Campus, on top of the 100 more scholars to study in different schools in Cebu.

To address the problem of teacher shortage, Chiong said from 2008 to 2013, they allocated P65 million in funds to hire 734 locally-funded teachers.

Chiong also acknowledged the support of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Ayala Foundation and Salcon Power Corporation for their "effective" partnerships with the city government in providing school buildings, libraries and other facilities in Naga schools.

Roads, health and security

In terms of infrastructure, Chiong they were able to complete concreting and asphalt-overlaying projects in different barangay roads totaling to a stretch of 29 kilometers or P191 million in worth.

He said drainage systems worth P19 million were also in place in the barangay level, while concrete and foot bridges worth P44 million were also constructed.

On health, Chiong said their "Doctors to the Barangays Program," in support with private groups, have been able to serve at least 40,000 patients in the far-flung barangays since it started last year.

Chiong also said the city still gives P500 daily financial assistance to every elderly who is admitted to the hospital. This is apart from other incentives they get on Christmas.

The city has implemented livestock dispersal, breeding of cattle, carabao and others to the local farmers. At least 800 fisherfolk and fish vendors were also organized to benefit the city's Fisherfolk Registration System which gives assistance to them.

For peace and order, Chiong lauded the local cops for their active campaign against the illegal drugs which led to the arrest of 17 drug suspects, users and traders. He said incentives and awards will be given to deserving police officers.

Chiong also mentioned the city's Special Weapons and Tactics team, which helped in the peaceful surrender of a father who took into hostage his own family a few months ago.

Awarded

With regard to environment, Chiong said their Tree Growing Program has continued to plant seedlings with an aim to maintain a growth rate of 80 percent.

He said soon they will have a Septage Management Program and a Septage Treatment Facility which aim to counter problems on pollution and contamination on water aquifer.

As for disaster preparedness, the mayor reported they are now in the process of completing a P19-million Unified Disaster Risk Reduction Management System, which aims to give early warning to residents in flood-and landslide-prone areas.

Chiong said for its outstanding performance, the city was awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping from 2010 to 2013 by the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Chiong's SOCA marked the weeklong celebration of the city's 7th Charter Day anniversary which culminates on September 5.