The First 100 Days

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Mayor-elect Adolfo Iligan of Numancia (left) vows to bring good governance to Numanciahanons during the recent edition of Kapehan Sa Aklan held at Smokehauz Restobar. On the other hand, Councilor-elect Pepito Iligan (right) assures his constituents that he will protect their interests through his priority legislations. (photo by RECTO I. VIDAL)

After the roar of big guns and din of smoke clearing comes peace on the Western front. Taste of victory is sweet but to the vanquished, humble acceptance of people’s verdict. Ox populi, vox dei is Comelec’s slogan that has historic significance. Commissioner Jose Melo’s remarks in connection with initial proclamation of nine winning senatorial candidates on May 15, 2010 said that you are champions and intones that "we hope you will not fail the people.

Weekly Kapehan on May 15, 2010 could be titled, "The First 100 Days" at Smokehauz Resto & Bar. Invited guests were winners of recent automated elections in Numancia namely Mayor Adolfo M. Iligan, SB members Pepito M. Iligan, Josel Maribojo, Jr., Jojo Cordova, and Romy Ricafuente. Their stunning victory over well entrenched and funded political machinery of the ruling party coalition is considered unprecedented in annals of Aklan politics.

Mayor Adolfo M. Iligan, a practicing lawyer is former Vice Mayor of Numancia and failed once in his bid for Mayorship in 2007. Yet despite overwhelming odds skepticism and penury, he along with his four party mates emerged strong, his brother Pepito garnering the most number of votes. Numancia is a small community of 27,570 (NSO 2007), peaceful and pastoral but poisoned to become an urban center within 10 years.

Now that the election is over, let us forget the past and move toward a new beginning of Numancia. It is very obvious that we will stir clear of the path of fiscal irresponsibility and focus on simple but effective governance, the Mayor declared.

For the first 100 days action plan will focused on potable water supply, construction of additional CR(s) at back of public market, requiring Municipal Health Officer to conduct regular barangay health services, revive natural family planning to ease poverty and declogging/cleaning Numancia’s waterways to minimize flooding.

The need to provide safe, reliable potable water to Numancia residents demands highest priority. Presence of Numancia Waterworks funded by Local Utilities Admi-nistration is considered a failure and a challenge to the new political leadership. Main reason is its poor water acceptability. It has high concentration of iron sulfate that stains light colored clothing, faint swampy odor and saline taste. It should have relocated its aquifer source to Bulwang where underground water is excellent. This is the reason behind booming business of three water processing plants namely: Ati-Atihan, Radian Spring, and Aqua Bee.

Remedial measures of the past Administration has been to invest in lift pumps distributed to households. But to no avail. Nonetheless there is the Waterworks Cooperative of Camanci Norte, survivor of the late Gov. Nono Garcia of early 1980’s that has proven effective in delivering potable water to its consumer members. This feat could be duplicated in 17 barangays of Numancia where aquifer source is not a problem. Another option is tapping the services of Metro Kalibo Waterworks Districts that presently serves Kalibo, New Washington, and Banga.

It is welcome news that Dr. Levens Maravilla, Rural Health Physician shall be required to perform regular visits to Barangay Health Centers. Our country is in the grip of poverty and malnutrition hence destitute families could no longer afford to consult medical specialists in Kalibo. Perhaps other services could be effectively pursued like circumcision, immunization, breastfeeding, family planning and solid waste management.
Apparently present Municipal Agricultural Officer (MAO) have not lived up to expectation of Numanciahanons. Hence the SB resolution to dissolve this impotent agency. On the contrary, the DA has vital role to enhance food security in crops, livestock and fisheries. Our economic base is agriculture and 51 percent of total labor force is engaged in it. The decision is both unfair and unfortunate and could have been revised to charge the current MAO and his fieldmen for gross inefficiency and negligence.

The DA’s challenge is to empower organizations to engage in viable and sustainable projects that will supply food requirements of an expanding Metro Kalibo and tourism industry in Boracay. This could be in high value crops: fruits, vegetables, and cutflowers and livestock/fisheries. In addition a marine sanctuary must be established in Navitas augmented by mangrove reforestation. Dearth of catch of marginal fishermen in the area drives them further out in deeper waters.

A notable achievement could be the Numancia Investment and Incentives Code. A number of oil companies particularly Petron, Shell and later on Total and other prominent establishments like AM Builders Depot and Nadal Castle have found roots in Laguinbanwa East. Later on subdivisions and manufacturing hubs are expected to line up the national highway as an alternative to Kalibo’s congested business district.

Apt analysis of E.I. Templonuevos’ mayoralty defeat could be attributed to strong headwinds of voters’ discontent. May this serve as a moral lesson that those serving the people with long term objectives must consistently focus on their needs and interests and not on personal gain. A million thanks to Comelec, law enforcement agencies and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) their admirable courage in bringing about honest, orderly and peaceful elections. The P16.5 billion cost automation is really worth the cost and trouble. /MP