Parañaque celebrates year of accomplishments

Parañaque Mayor Jun Bernabe said residents have much to be thankful for as the city celebrates its fiesta this November.

Among the major accomplishments of the administration is the efficient garbage collection.

In the past, Parañaque City had been one of the dirtiest and least orderly cities in Metro Manila.

"But with the advent of an efficient garbage collection system, our basura (garbage) woes are now a thing of the past. Garbage collection will continue to be one of the main priorities," the mayor said.

As part of the beautification program of the city, streetlights have been installed along the major thoroughfares and subdivisions of the city. The sidewalks or walkways along Dr. A. Santos Avenue and major streets have been refurbished and beautified.

"The asphalting of our roads has begun. Expect to see more roads devoid of potholes and unsightly bumps in the months ahead," he said.

Cleaning and declogging of drainage and creeks were done in preparation for the onslaught of the rainy season and to prevent flooding. In relation to the clean and green movement, the city government has put to order the Parañaque public market and the public cemetery.

In the area of education, the city government has started rectifying a basic problem in the city — the lack of school buildings and classrooms for the students.

Two new elementary and high schools located in Sun Valley and Moonwalk have been constructed.

The city has also inaugurated the long-awaited medical clinic for city government employees.

The perennial traffic problem in the city has been addressed, particularly along the corner of Sucat Road and East Service Road by implementing a strict no parking rule for public utility vehicles within that area.

"Along the Bicutan interchange, a re-routing scheme has been successfully implemented in that area and traffic has been contained to a manageable level. The city government, in cooperation with the MMDA, continues to identify and solve other traffic-congested areas of our city," the mayor said.

In the business arena, a record number of entrepreneurs have been granted business permits and licenses to operate. Despite the difficult times, businessmen are still willing to invest and tap the vast market potential of Parañaque City, he said.

Bernabe’s biggest legacy during his first year in office is the construction and eventual operation of the Taxpayers’ Lounge. Located at the first and second floors of City Hall, it was opened to the public in the first quarter of 2005.

In celebration and thanksgiving for all the major accomplishments of the city government this year, numerous activities have been lined up for the city’s fiesta celebration.

These include the Tatak Parañaque-Gawang Parañaque exhibit at SM Bicutan on Nov. 4 to 6, and at SM Sucat on Nov. 11 to 13.

Novena Masses are scheduled on Nov. 23 and 24. A singing contest and painting exhibits will be held from Nov. 23 to 29, which will be highlighted by a procession along the major landmarks of Parañaque on the 29th.

Dinner parties and fireworks display will cap the month-long celebration on Nov. 30.