New Parañaque mayor to prioritize garbage collection

Newly elected Parañaque City Mayor Jun Bernabe is determined to take on what could be the biggest problem facing the city — garbage.

The outgoing vice mayor considers waste management issue as foremost and most challenging concern after being elected to replace Joey Marquez, who occupied the city’s top post for nine years.

"Cleanliness and beautification projects will be our top priority because they are essential in our strategic economic plans for the city," Bernabe told reporters Friday night at the National Press Club in Manila.

According to the new mayor, it would be easier to entice investors to their proposed business district if this decades-long problem is finally solved.

The local waste management office admitted disposing of 521 tons of garbage collected daily in the city was a major problem.

Officials said there is lack of dumps for their daily collection. They also said the lack of operational garbage trucks contributes to the problem.

Bernabe also revealed his plans of converting the 200-hectare reclamation area along Roxas Boulevard into a business district.

By inviting investors through tax incentives and qualified special economic status, Bernabe said the answer to the other major concerns of the city would follow.

"It is my vision to create a city that could compete with others," he explained. "A clean, orderly and peaceful city with high employment and literacy rates."

According to the mayor, new schools would be established in Barangays Sun Valley and Moonwalk within his three-year term.

Bernabe is also determined to cooperate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, especially on the sidewalk clearing operations in Baclaran.

"We will push for regulations in street vending. I will not oppose the MMDA, but I want vendors to be given opportunity to earn a living," the mayor said.

Bernabe is also ready to confront issues on corruption head on.

He said corruption will have no place in his administration as he vowed to be transparent in all endeavors.