Belmonte swears in barangay, SK officials

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has sworn into office 2,272 newly-elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials, urging tthem to help him transform the city into a "quality community."

"Let us help one another work more effectively to provide programs for the greater good for the greater number of people," the mayor told the officials elected following the July 15 synchronized barangay and SK polls.

The oath-taking ceremonies were held the other day at the Barangay Amoranto Multi-Purpose Hall on Roces Avenue. The officials represent the city’s 142 barangays, which are spread out into four districts.

The city’s Barangay Operations Center said about 60 percent of the officials were re-elected into office.

"It is important that barangay and SK officials develop a close working relationship," Belmonte said, adding that he wants local officials to work with him into making his vision of a progressive city into a reality.

The mayor has embarked on an ambitious program to develop an efficient garbage collection and recycling system in the barangay level to complement efforts to cut down on service costs.

Since the program started, he said the city has saved millions in garbage collection. – Romel Bagares