Discussing "Handum It Kalibo" is (Ret) Gen. Efren "EQ" Fernandez (extreme left). With him from (l to r) are Atty. Noli Sodusta, for Vice Mayor and eight candidates for SB Kalibo positions who are Atty. Ervie S. Taytayon, Reygie A. Bongabong, Edgar S. Felipe, Freddie E. Jizmundo, Bert C. Melgarejo, Guadillo Z. Morales, Jodel B. Rentillo, and Roberto S. Villanueva.
The Kapehan Sa Aklan, a weekly forum held at the Smokehauz Resto and Bar on February 6, 2010 discussed the topic "Handum it Kalibo". Sponsored by Pagbag-o, an independent political party, it exuded confidence and optimism waving the banner of change. Those present were Ret. Gen. Efren Q. Fernandez, and Atty. Immanuel Sodusta running for Mayor and Vice Mayor of Kalibo respectively. Also in attendance were eight candidates for SB member Kalibo positions. They are Ervie S. Taytayon, Reygie A. Bongabong, Edgar S. Felipe, Freddie E. Jizmundo, Bert C. Melgarejo, Guadillo Z. Morales, Jodel B. Rentillo, and Roberto S. Villanueva.
Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino stated that the power of governance must be strengthened at local level because of legal constraints i.e. four years term in 1935 and 1973 Constitutions but lowered to three years in the 1987 Constitution. This is imperative since under egalitarian society, services must be tightly focused on people’s needs in order to create favorable impact and response from the public. Kalibo, being the capital town of Aklan, mirrors the aspiration of all Aklanons toward a better life.
EQ Fernandez in a power point presentation unveiled his "Handum It Kalibo" (Desire of Kalibo) as a campaign strategy to win the hearts and minds of Kalibonhons. He calls it a road map to progress, stability, and prosperity. The goal is Kalibo to be World Class City 10 years hence. Putting it in another way will surge past ahead of Iloilo, Bacolod, Roxas, and Passi cities in Western Visayas.
How Can This Be Realized?
Well, EQ said, it’s a matter of leadership, like in the army where the person is in authority. Where the command is loud and clear, subordinates are likely to follow and trust them. EQ Fernandez is a graduate of Philippine Military Academy class of 1971 and has 36 years of active military service. He was at one time Police Superintendent of Manila.
Handum it Kalibo reforms to be implemented cover nearly everything from A to Z. Most of them target high impact projects particularly construction of avenues and thoroughfares, relocation of business community, Aklan river development for transportation and tourism, renovation/expansion of Aklan bridge (DPWH) and Kalibo State College formation. High on social agenda are livelihood projects, health and sanitation, drugs prevention/rehabilitation, info technology and tourism.
"The boy who grew up in Estancia, Kalibo knows the value of the peso he earns. Before it was poverty and hardship but now he has these blessings to engage in higher lifestyle. But something is missing here," he confessed. He said, "it is payback time." Where to but to go home and lead in political reformation mission.
"The boy who grew up in Estancia, Kalibo knows the value of the peso he earns. Before it was poverty and hardship but now he has these blessings to engage in higher lifestyle. But something is missing here," he confessed. He said, "it is payback time." Where to but to go home and lead in political reformation mission.
Atty. Sodusta said that he was very much impressed regarding the road map to progress (as designed) of Kalibo that he decided to join EQ’s political bandwagon. "Really, it is personal sacrifice to leave the Presidency of a multi-billion peso power industry (AKELCO). However, in the interest of public service and shared vision, there is no regret." His legal expertise and corporate experience would be handy asset in facilitating legislative measures and serving as Vice Mayor.
Indeed, programs and projects envisioned by EQ Fernandez and his party mates are most impressive and comprehensive in outlook. I could visualize living in the garden city of Singapore. This kind of creativity and insight is enshrined in our Constitution and can also be commissioned by interested parties. The only basic flaw is that certain requirements have not been met.
Handum or desire and need are two different things. Oftentimes, they are misconstrued as one but definitely they are poles apart. While desire is limitless, need is specific. You may desire a sports car and a dream house but in a desert of sand and all you need could just be a glass of water to survive.
Management experts said that all plans must critically pass through the SMART test. Smart is acronym for simple, manageable, attainable, reliable and TIME bounded.
Makati, converted into cityhood in 1996 transformed into world class city during the term of Mayor Jejomar Binay. Undoubtedly, this model is vigorously pursued by standard bearer of Pagbag-o. Vibrant financial and commercial center generates annual revenues of P10 billion. Even if half the annual income is spent on personnel services, still there is enormous leeway for extending free education, housing, medicare, school facilities, and all others to the general public. Cebu and Davao cities with their financial dynamism and pragmatic leaders have yet to be feted distinction as World Class City.
Heavy Bank Borrowing
Meanwhile, Kalibo although classified as first class municipality by fiscal standard is unable to finance its priority projects without resorting to heavy bank borrowing. Still on priority list are public market and "bagsakan" terminal improvement, conversion of dumpsites into sanitary landfill and urban sewerage and sanitation project. Definitely, it will take years to complete a single project.
There is a saying that Rome was not built in a day. How true? Roman civilization and its grandeur flourished before the birth of Christ. Based on the above considerations, a world class city having ISO standard could not rise up in Kalibo by 2020. Simple reason is that the place could not even qualify to become a city according to standard requirements of RA 7160 (Local Government Code). Kalibo has to come with these requirements namely: enough land area, annual income, and population. Kalibo may comply with all requirements to become a city but the area, except if its adjacent towns give a part of its jurisdiction.
Granting that after three years, the municipality becomes a city under EQ’s administration, there is no warranty he will get re-elected in May 2010. Worse he may be replaced by somebody who has a completely different political agenda. But the people recognizes the good from the bad and competent to reward the good.
Apparently, EQ Fernandez shuns taking orders from his subordinates (an abnormal case) thus his prepared road plan. The fact remains however that all good public administrations gets its marching order from the sovereign people themselves. Such is the essence of public service.
Tri-media coverage of local elections is part of voter’s education thrust and hopes to get their reactions. /MP
1 comment:
"Kalibo has to come with these requirements namely: enough land area, annual income, and population. Kalibo may comply with all requirements to become a city but the area, except if its adjacent towns give a part of its jurisdiction."
the requirements to become a city are the following: P 100 Million annual income, 100 sq.km "OR" 150,000 population... if Kalibo could meet either of the land area or population requirement, it will be qualified to become a city. land area is never a perpetual hindrance for kalibo to become a city.
I would also prefer to have a leader who is aiming high and visionary because i believe that he could also provide a better result compare to a leader who only limit himself to what is available and to what is acceptable..
why should we settle for less if we can have more?
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