Chiong’s SONA Highlights City Developments

City of Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong, in his “State of Naga Address” (SONA) Monday morning highlighted the many developments for the last six years since Naga became a city.

Chiong, in a SONA attended by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and local mayors, said from P112 million in 2007, the city’s income soared to P526 million last year.

“Wala kitay utang. I can confidently say that the city government is financially sound. Ang atong kwarta giunsa man paggasto? Kini atong gigahin sa nagkalain-lain nga serbisyo, programa, proyekto ug development sa atong Naga,” Chiong said.

One of these areas where the city’s millions was allocated to was education, which Chiong said they were able to construct 137 classrooms worth P115 million from 2008 to 2013.

Chiong said in 2007, Naga had only six secondary schools, at present it already has 21 national high schools scattered all over its 28 barangays.

To address the problem of teacher shortage, Chiong said from 2008-2013, they allocated P65 million in funds to hire 734 locally funded teachers. In terms of infrastructure, Chiong pointed that for the same period, they were able to complete concreting and asphalt-overlaying projects in different barangay roads totaling to a stretch of 29 kilometers or P191 million in worth.

He also said that drainage systems worth P19 million were also in place in the barangay level, while concrete and foot bridges worth P44 million were also constructed.

On health, Chiong highlighted their “Doctors to the Barangays Program,” in support with Cemex, Kepco, SPC, JLR Construction and Teresa Marble, were able to serve at least 40,000 patients in the far-flung barangays since it started last year.

For peace and order, Chiong lauded the local cops for their active campaign against the illegal drugs which led to the arrest of 17 drug suspects (users and traders).

“Incentives and awards will be given to deserving police officers,” he said.

As to governance, Chiong said for its outstanding performance, they were awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping from 2010 to 2013 by the Department of Interior and Local Government. He said he is looking forward to receiving the award again next year.

“From here, the city must also continue to develop a viable and sustainable environment rehabilitation and protection plan and strategy that will counteract the adverse effects of industrialization and promote ecotourism. The city hopes that by making important progress on building up Naga as the center of education in southern Cebu and as an ideal venue for sports events, we will continue to move to that direction,” Chiong said.

Chiong’s SOCA marked the weeklong celebration of the city’s 7th Charter Day anniversary. Naga will celebrate its Charter Day on September 5.