• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Association of Chief Executives (ACE) will reach out to mayors in Negros Oriental and Siquijor to open communication lines and share best practices, its newly-elected president, Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., said on Friday (July 11).
Escalante, who was unopposed, said that mayors in Negros Occidental are enjoying the camaraderie and friendship as they also travel and eat together.
“We solve problems together, which helps lessen the burden of a mayor,” he added.
“Everybody contributes to come up with a solution to a problem facing our province. This is what we want to replicate to the Oriental side and Siquijor,” he also said.
Then Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, former Negros ACE president, and former Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante made initial talks with the local chief executives (LCEs) in Negros Oriental for the establishment of the Negros Island ACE.
Meanwhile, Escalante said personnel of Kabankalan City Environment and Natural Resources Office are now in Cadiz City to study its environmental-related activities.
“We want to replicate it all over the province, and many others, which we may share to other local government units (LGUs),” he said. “We will come up a blue print as we continue to exist.”
During the Negros ACE general assembly held in Talisay City, Victorias City Mayor Abelardo Bantug III was also elected as the chairman of the board; Pontevedra Mayor Jose Maria Alonso, secretary-general; San Enrique Mayor Jilson Tubillara, treasurer; Candoni Mayor Rey Ruiz, auditor; and Himamaylan City Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson, public information officer.
The board of directors is composed of Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco, first district; Manapla Mayor Mikaela Escalante, second district; Victorias City Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, third district; Bago City Mayor Marina Javellana-Yao, fourth district; Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo, fifth district; and Hinobaan Mayor Daph Reliquias, sixth district.
In a statement, Benitez said Escalante will bring a strong leadership and a deep inter-LGU collaboration.
He added that Bantug also expressed full support for Escalante’s s vision, and is ready to help continue the pending plans and strengthen unity among the mayors.*
