BACOLOD CITY , Philippines — Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson (see above left photo) raised a toast to thousands of Bacolodnons that gathered at the City Government Center for the New Year’s Eve countdown party, capped by dazzling fireworks (above right photo). With them were Councilors Em Ang, Caesar Distrito, Greg Gasataya and Allan Ang. Others who joined the large crowd of revelers were the mayor’s wife Elsa and daughter Kara, Councilors Carl Lopez and Mona Dia Jardin and City Administrator John Orola.
Leonardia thanked the Bacolodnons for their support in raising the city to major accomplishments in 2012 with various national and international awards and citations, such as the Most Child Friendly City, the Most Business Friendly City and the Most Liveable City in the Philippines.
Leonardia told the crowd that, for 2013, his administration will focus on the following priorities: Stronger support for the call center human resource requirements; open a direct flight between Bacolod-Silay Airport and South Korea to bring-in more Korean tourists and students; work more closely with the DTI and Go Negosyo to develop grassroots entrepreneurship in the barangay level; rehabilitation of the Public Plaza; privatization of the garbage collection; build 18-classroom building for the Bacolod City College and and 24-classroom for the ETCS; completion of the Taculing-Alijis Bridge and the Robinson Bridge; and install more streetlights. (FREEMAN)