• CHERYL G. CRUZ
“Speak your truth, stand firm with your decisions, and always do what you believe is right for our city,” outgoing Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran urged incoming VM Claudio Jesus “Kalaw” Puentevella during the turnover of gavel ceremonies at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) session hall June 25.
“This Sangguniang Panlungsod is in capable hands under vice mayor Kalaw,” Familiaran said, adding he is hopeful for what lies ahead under the leadership of the incoming officials.
“I leave this post with pride and peace of mind, knowing that in the times that we have spent together, we did our work with purpose,” the only three-termer vice mayor of Bacolod stressed. “After nine fruitful years as your vice mayor and presiding officer, I can proudly say that I am happy with what we have achieved to make Bacolod City what it is today.”
He admitted that the SP is not perfect. “We may have debated over contrasting views, stood on opposing sides of an issue, yet we have managed to set aside our differences and come together for what is just and for the best interest of our constituents.”
The sincere intent to serve the people of Bacolod has made the SP more than just legislators and lawmakers, Familiaran said. “At some point, we have become a family despite our political alliances. We have become a part of the force that, together with the executive, created ways for the City of Bacolod to realize her true potential.”
He thanked the SP members and secretariat for the trust, confidence, and respect given him throughout this journey. “My heart is full. It has been an honor.”
Familiaran presided over the 156th and final regular session of the 11th Council yesterday afternoon, where he and councilors Renecito Novero, Cindy Rojas, Simplicia Distrito, and Vladimir Gonzalez received plaques of commendation from their colleagues (read https://tinyurl.com/787fvefb).
Highlight of the session was the third and final State of the City Address of outgoing Mayor Alfredo Benitez, who said that he also approved June 25 the two ordinances passed on third and final reading by the SP June 17.
These are the ordinance establishing underground cabling in Bacolod, authored by Puentevella, and the walkability ordinance of Councilor Em Ang.
Benitez also took note of the ordinances earlier passed by the SP in support of the full devolution and the reorganization of City Hall to increase efficiency and fast-track frontline services.
These include measures creating the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion, and the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department, all in operation and allocated funding in this year’s P4.4 billion city budget. | CGC
