The Mayor Evelio Leonardia-led Grupo Progreso is set to unveil its platform of government today in a 2 p.m. press conference at the Business Inn in Bacolod City.
Leonardia deferred to discuss details of the GP platform, saying they don’t want to preempt its contents before it is presented by the slate to members of the media.
The signing of the platform of government by members of the GP slate and its presentation to Bacolod voters has been the party’s tradition every elections.
This is to ensure our accountability to guide us that we deliver our campaign promises to the electorate. That is why, we all affix our signatures on this very important piece of document, Leonardia said.
The group’s three-pronged program is primarily anchored on the areas of health and social services, economy and infrastructure development and the Smart City framework for local government.
Also to be presented are the vision and mission of the GP, a political aggrupation organized by Leonardia in 2007.
Leonardia will be joined in the press conference by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and congressional aspirant Dan Atayde.
Also in attendance are incumbent Councilors Cindy Tan-Rojas, Archie Baribar, Renecito Novero, Israel Salanga, Carl Lopez and Dindo Ramos.
Come-backing Councilor and former City Administrator Em Legaspi-Ang, businessman Ed Guillem, former Barangay Captain Jonathan Diaz, veteran broadcaster Marlon Solidum, IT professional Cashmere Montalvo and Dr. Chris Sorongon, EOC-TF deputy director, complete the Grupo Progreso slate for the City Council.
ATAYDE’S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Congressional candidate Daniel Alfonso “Aksyon Dan” Atayde of Grupo Progreso yesterday outlined his legislative agenda that gave top priority to creating more jobs and livelihood opportunities for city folk via the establishment of an international standard container port that will transform Bacolod into a beehive of economic activity.
Atayde, a businessman and a political newbie who called himself a “Batang Pier,” said Bacolod City has the potential of becoming the “logistics capital of the Philippines” once the economic zone with a tax-free port area is established by virtue of a law that he will champion in the House of Representatives.
This will bring Bacolod closer to the world, pointed out Atayde, one of the three featured candidates during Debate Serye 2022 for congressional bets of DYHB Radio Mindanao Network moderated by station manager Dr. Jeony Bigay at the Osbron Hall of Ikthus.
Atayde shared the stage with Rep. Greg Gasataya of Asenso and independent candidate Wilfredo David, a retired police officer, who threw his hat many times in previous elections.
“The first order of the day once I make it as Bacolod congressman is to prioritize the passage of bills that will steer or hasten Bacolod’s economic development. Together with Grupo Progreso, I will pursue the Bacolod International Container Port. This will give jobs to the poor people and open doors for more industries,” Atayde, who also comes from a showbiz family, said.
A container port will pave the way for manufacturing businesses as well as FDIs (foreign direct investments). The benefits of these will trickle down to the local economy, he further explained.
Atayde is also setting his sight to sponsoring a bill creating the Bacolod Tax-Free Port, mount an aggressive campaign for more investors, including local capital market.
On top of his economic legislations, he will also give equal importance for higher budget for education to ensure that teachers’ needs are met as they prepare the young children for a more secured future.
He will also advocate for continuing teachers’ education so that educators will go back to school for their masters and doctorate degrees.
As congressman, he said he will also prioritize in finding solutions to the flood problem, adding that he believes such pressing issue is better solved if there is open communication between the congressional office and the local chief executive.
“We also want to make greener parks because these are good for tourism,” Atayde added.
He also batted for better, more accessible health and medical services for village folk by acquiring more advanced, modern equipment for barangay health centers.
Asked what attributes does he possess that will make him an effective congressman, Atayde replied: “Dan Atayde is a God-fearing person. Mabinuligon kag mabo-ot. Si Dan Atayde gusto gid ya magbulig sa Bacolod City para mag-ayo pa gid ang aton ekonomiya.”*
