• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod approved an ordinance establishing the “Be the Change” program, on third and final reading Thursday.
The ordinance authored by Councilor Celia Matea Flor said the City of Bacolod recognizes the need to instill positive qualities in all aspects of human endeavor to fulfill its vision of a clean, healthy, resilient, orderly, and peaceful city with a vibrant economy, balanced environment, enduring and lively culture, and safe settlements, under the leadership of good governance champions in partnership with God-loving, family-oriented, child-friendly, and globally competitive Bacolodnons.
The City Government of Bacolod also recognizes the contribution of its people in upholding the values of good citizenship and finds it appropriate to honor the everyday heroes exemplifying extraordinary acts, it said.
The ordinance to be known as the “Be the Change Ordinance”, provides for the giving of recognition to be bestowed upon individuals who have a profound impact on the city through their acts of kindness, unwavering commitment, and exceptional service. It also provides the criteria to identify awardees.
The creation of the special awards and recognition committee and their functions is also provided in the ordinance.
The committee will be composed of the City Mayor as chairperson, City Human Resource Officer – vice chairperson, Bacolod City Information Officer – secretariat, and members: two representatives from socio-civic organizations, a youth representative, IP representative, PWD representative, and PIO.
The ordinance said the funding for the program will come from the City Mayor’s Office. Any sum not utilized will be carried over to the next fiscal year. In case the appropriated amount is not sufficient, the additional appropriation will be included in any succeeding supplemental budget.*
