• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Moises Padilla, one of the formerly insurgency-affected towns in Negros Occidental, is now a 2nd class municipality, several years after Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia Yulo became its local chief executive.
Mayor Garcia-Yulo disclosed that the town’s reclassification from a third-class to a second-class municipality will bring more programs and projects to benefit local residents.
Yulo also credited the accomplishment to the local business sector for trusting her administration and investing in the town.
With the new classification, Yulo said Moises Padilla will receive a higher National Tax Allocation, which will fund additional programs, projects, and improved delivery of basic services, particularly in upland communities.
Councilor Dowen Michael Ogatis, chairman of the Sangguniang Bayan committee Tourism, attributed it to the leadership of Mayor Garcia Yulo and the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.
“It cannot be realized without the help of the community, town officials and department heads,” Ogatis said.
The Department of Finance (DOF) elevated the town’s status based on its average regular income over the past three fiscal years, as stipulated in the agency’s reclassification guidelines.
Ogatis said the recently concluded Magayon Hinuptanan Festival of Moises Padilla ended successfully, without any untoward incidents.
Moises Padilla is dubbed the livestock capital of Negros Occidental.
Ogatis said that among the highlights of the annual festival was the return of horse and carabao racing, which is also aimed at further promoting the livestock industry of Moises Padilla.*
