MAYOR Eric C. Codilla once again blasted at his detractors especially those from the upper and middle classes who refuse to acknowledge his accomplishments for the city. Critics have stepped up their smear campaign on the mayor now that election season is fast approaching.
The problem with Ormoc’s upper and middle classes is that they limit their observation on the city proper, Mayor Codilla explained. “Di ta mabasol nila kay nagtuo sila nga ang syudad sa Ormoc mao ra na ang Real, Aviles, Bonifacio, merkado ug plaza,” he said.
Because of their limited view, they don’t appreciate the improvements he introduced in far-flung barangays where his administration was able to do much as a result of his style of good governance, Mayor Codilla said. He again cited the Seal of Good Housekeeping earned by his administration.
Along with that stamp is a P45 million prize which he spent on projects in nine barangays. This includes the 590-meter road concreting he inaugurated this week in Guintigui-an. Mayor Codila said the road was supposed to be 700 meters long but the project needed to be elevated and a riprap be built on the roadside as a flood control measure.
Another is a road opening in Monterico which is so remote that it can only be reached through Matag-ob town. The new road shortens Monterico’s distance from city center via Cacao in neighboring Kananga town. Still another road project is in the mountain barangay of Manlilinao that connects to Leondoni and Nueva Vista.
The problem with Ormoc’s upper and middle classes is that they limit their observation on the city proper, Mayor Codilla explained. “Di ta mabasol nila kay nagtuo sila nga ang syudad sa Ormoc mao ra na ang Real, Aviles, Bonifacio, merkado ug plaza,” he said.
Because of their limited view, they don’t appreciate the improvements he introduced in far-flung barangays where his administration was able to do much as a result of his style of good governance, Mayor Codilla said. He again cited the Seal of Good Housekeeping earned by his administration.
Along with that stamp is a P45 million prize which he spent on projects in nine barangays. This includes the 590-meter road concreting he inaugurated this week in Guintigui-an. Mayor Codila said the road was supposed to be 700 meters long but the project needed to be elevated and a riprap be built on the roadside as a flood control measure.
Another is a road opening in Monterico which is so remote that it can only be reached through Matag-ob town. The new road shortens Monterico’s distance from city center via Cacao in neighboring Kananga town. Still another road project is in the mountain barangay of Manlilinao that connects to Leondoni and Nueva Vista.
Other projects funded from the P45 million prize are distributed to San Jose (irrigation in Sitios Tipik 1 & 2), Lilo-an, Licuma, RM Tan and Labrador. Mayor Codilla said his critics don’t appreciate these projects but the barangay folk welcome these developments.Delicadeza
Mayor Codilla is saddened not everyone recognizes his efforts even if these redound to the benefit of his constituents. He cited as example real property tax (RPT) collection which was only P8-9 million annually prior to his assumption into office. In recent years, this has improved to P30-40 million a year.
The figure doesn’t include the RPT paid by Energy Development Corp. of almost P100 million annually. With an improved tax take, Mayor Codilla was able to implement numerous projects especially on education considering that 40% of RPT collection goes to the Special Education Fund.
These projects consist of schoolhouses, perimeter fences, stages, comfort rooms and also 22 covered courts with four more being constructed. Mayor Codilla said his only fault was that he didn’t emulate the style of Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez of putting tarpaulins on all construction works of 4th Leyte Engineering District even if she has nothing to do with those projects.
He likens Rep. Gomez’s action to a graduation ceremony wherein a mother claims the valedictorian as her child even if he’s not. He also finds it in bad taste to put a name and face on a project considering the money didn’t come from the politician’s pocket.The best place to live in
Another fact Mayor Codilla cited is the very good services which Ormocanons are paying at a very low cost. This is because Ormoc’s tax rate remains in the level of year 1991 even if the Local Government Code allows local government units (LGU) to update their rates every three years which all other LGUs are doing even in the barangay level.
He cites for instance obtaining a certification which costs P50 in barangays compared to only P5 in the city. On wedding services, the Church charges P2,000 compared to only P50 for civil rites at City Hall. But the best example Mayor Codilla cited is water services which costs only P3.50 per cu.m. in Ormoc.
Water rates costs P15 per cu.m. in neighboring Albuera town, P17 in Tacloban and P35 in Metro Manila. And the amazing thing is Ormoc has the best water services compared to the mentioned places. Mayor Codilla takes pride he was able to provide the best basic services to the Ormocanons without raising taxes or borrowing money.
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of July 23-29, 2012)
No comments:
Post a Comment