- CHERYL G. CRUZ
As Himamaylan City lit up its government center in twinkling lights Dec. 17, Mayor Raymund Tongson announced two big-ticket projects and the scheduled visits of the Philippines’ top leaders during their respective groundbreaking and inauguration events.
Tongson said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will join the city’s groundbreaking for the MR Tahanan housing project, worth P4 billion, initially scheduled for next month.
Part of PBBM’s Pambasang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, the memorandum of understanding that Tongson signed with Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar Oct. 18 will be for a 3,000-unit condominium housing.
“I am hoping to further increase the final condominium units from 3,000 to 6,000 which will double the budget to P8 billion,” shared Tongson during the city’s lights-on ceremony.
Vice President Sara Duterte, who leads the Department of Education, will also grace the inauguration and blessing of the new DepEd Division of Himamaylan building next year, the mayor said.
On Dec. 7, Tongson, together with local officials and DepEd officers, led the groundbreaking for the new infrastructure for teachers in the city.
The much-anticipated lights-on ceremony, dubbed “Paskwa sa Maylan”, meanwhile, was led by Tongson, 5th District Rep. Dino Yulo, Provincial Board Member Anthony Occeño, Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao, Sangguniang Panlungsod members, other city officials, and sectoral partners.
A stage at the center of the City Hall grounds, flanked by giant sparkling stars, was the venue for the ensuing party and concert with Filipino rapper Andrew E, the city said in a press release.
“This small event is a reminder to all of us that, at the end of the day, all our city’s successes can be achieved with unity,” Tongson said, adding that the awards and recognitions received by the city government and stakeholders were because of everyone’s united effort.
Tongson also recognized and thanked the representatives from various sectors present during the ceremony and concert; as well as visitors from other towns and cities in Negros Island, who joined the city in celebrating the Yuletide season.
Yulo, in his speech, thanked the residents of the 5th District for witnessing the unveiling of Himamaylan’s lights.
“Let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas – love, community, and spending the birth of Jesus Christ with our loved ones and families,” Yulo added.
Himamaylanons also won cash prizes during the fun and games in the run-up to the switch-on ceremony.
“Paskwa sa Maylan” partygoers also got a chance to win gift packs though a raffle draw, courtesy of the Office of the Vice President, and Tongson gave 30 additional gift packs that can be claimed by winners this week. ||
