Water hike, bikes, and PREP

Did you know that the MCWD has petitioned the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) for a 12% rate increase to use for the installation of new water connections?

Related to this proposed hike, Cebu City Councilor Gerry Carillo filed a resolution requesting MCWD to hold a public hearing.

MCWD general manager Armando H. Paredes sent a letter to the city council requesting for the cancellation of the scheduled May 7, 2014 public hearing as MCWD had already planned to conduct a one-time public information dissemination intended for all their concessionaires within their service area.

In response, during the April 30 session of the city council, Councilor Alvin Dizon registered his objection to the MCWD request for the cancellation of the public hearing as follows: "The Cebu City Council is within its power to call for a public hearing on issues of utmost public importance especially water which is a basic utility. I believe this august body is interested to know the basis and justifications of such increase because the proposed 12 percent hike is another burden to water consumers who make up the bulk of MCWD's water concessionaires. This representation strongly believes that the information dissemination as proposed by MCWD is one sided. Would this mean that MCWD will just inform us about the increase and we cannot interpose our objections? We cannot set aside the requirement of a public hearing for this is an essential requirement."

The May 7th public hearing will push through, at 9 a.m., according to Councilor Dizon. He also clarified that although LWUA will make the final decision about the proposed water hike, it is very important that the sentiments of the consumer groups, NGOs, and concerned consumers will be heard during this public hearing.

Calling all concerned consumers and groups, please make sure to find time and attend this very important May 7th public hearing related to MCWD's proposed 12% water hike, 9 a.m, at the Cebu City Session Hall, 4th Floor, Legislative Building.

May we also share this from Edna Lee who wrote that "Tindak Sugbo, organized by Psychology volunteers, started a Bike Share Program where bikes can be loaned to riders during the Tindak Sugbo Rides every Sunday morning at 6 until June 15.This bike share program evolved as they realized that many people who want to bike do not have bikes. Tindak Sugbo started the innovative bike share program and asked family and friends to donate or loan-share their bikes to the program. "

Tindak Sugbo would like all to please invite friends to donate or loan share bikes to Tindak Sugbo Bike Share Program. Donations of old or out of order/ out of use bikes can be picked up and restored to be used for the bike share program. Edna and the Tindak Sugbo would like to thank you all and enjoin you all to continue to pedal for people, for our planet, and for our future.

Finally, Cebu City Councilor Nida Cabrera recently posted a recycling training project in Pit-os! We hope to see more communities recycling their waste and producing new items as livelihood for the residents.

Councilor Nida said she will also consider the plan to do Paper Recycling Project (PREP) in Cebu City schools so that students will not have to buy but instead will, by themselves, produce their own school papers, folders and envelope with recycled paper.

With active participative residents joining public hearings and registering their views, with creative partners and communities, and eco-friendly and genuine public servants, Cebu City is moving slowly but surely to becoming a truly livable city for all. PADAYON!!!

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