‘Here lives a city government employee’

SANTIAGO CITY — The neighbors are watching.

To monitor the lifestyles of city officials and employees, Mayor Jose Miranda has thought of a novel idea: putting up posters, measuring 22 by 18 inches, in front of their houses with the words "A city government employee lives here."

Miranda gave instructions that the posters be displayed prominently in front of the homes of each of the city’s more than 2,000 employees.

He said such a scheme would make it difficult for public officials and employees "to get involved in illegal activities such as drugs or even illicit relationships, knowing they have their neighbors as the government’s watchdog."

He added: "A public servant who lives a modest life would serve as an inspiration for our people, while those who are living beyond their means would readily invite scrutiny by the city government."

By putting up the posters, Miranda said they will also be able to monitor if city employees are complying with "Redireksiyon," the city government’s flagship program.

City information officer Rosel Dizon said the program "simply means going back to basic agriculture through backyard gardening and livestock raising while maintaining a chemical-free environment."

He said all employees are obliged to take part in the program by putting up their own backyard gardens, raising livestock or going into alternative agriculture-related livelihood activities.

Dizon said the city government has formed a task force that will monitor on a regular basis the employees’ compliance with Redireksiyon.

Those who fail to comply face suspension or termination, he said.