BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia and congressional candidate Dan Atayde led the unveiling of the platform of government of Grupo Progreso during a press conference at the Business Inn in Bacolod City yesterday.
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.
The group also presented its vision for Bacolod City, which is to further develop it into a more livable, vibrant and resilient city where business and industry shall flourish in a climate of peace and fair competition; inclusive, innovative, and sustainable, where government serves all its people responsibly and compassionately.
The group’s three-pronged program is primarily anchored on the areas of health and social services, economy and infrastructure and the Smart City framework for local government.
In the area of health and social services, combatting COVID-19 will continue to be GP’s top priority, the Universal Health Care Law must be faithfully implemented, and the improvement of facilities in the city’s relocation site which is the largest in the country, among others.
The group’s main thrust is economic recovery and to sustain the momentum, thereafter, through partnership and cooperation of the government with the private sector; with foreign, national and local institutions and most of all, with the people of Bacolod.
A “smart city” framework for effective local governance is the group’s thrust in running the affairs of government. This framework employs the use of Information and Communication Technologies to develop, deploy and promote sustainable development practices to address growing urbanization challenges.
Leonardia assured that Bacolod will be right on track and will accelerate as it was accelerating before the pandemic started.
To realize that, he and his teammates can make that happen, he said adding that “These are the people I trust. These are the people l believe in. And these are the people whose credentials, competence, track record are by themselves an assurance that we will do what we have promised you today.”
They have proven that many times in the past. Bacolod will not be where it is today if not because of vision they had many, many years ago. All these emanated from that vision that Bacolod becomes a premier city in the Philippines, Leonardia said.
“I describe the vision and platform of government as a document that is not about the next elections, but this about the next generation,” the mayor added.*CGS
MOTORCADE
The Grupo Progreso led by Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia will hold a motorcade around Bacolod City after a 2 p.m. mass at the Lupit Church as the campaign for local candidates starts today.
Leonardia said they will hold a mini rally at the Reclamation Area after the motorcade where the candidates of Grupo Progreso will be presented to their supporters.
They will start the usual campaign activities tomorrow in barangays or commercial establishments and will continue the 45 days doing the usual things except for Holy Thursday and Good Friday, the mayor said.
Leonardia said they will hold their opening salvo at the Bacolod Public Plaza tomorrow which can accommodate a bigger crowd.
Joining Leonardia are his teammates congressional candidate Dan Atayde, re-electionist Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, 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.*
