“Gusto ko na sa pagsisimula ng aking termino bilang local chief executive, tama ang ating gagawin, at unti-unti ay maitatama natin ang anuman ang dapat itama.”
That was Biñan City, Laguna Mayor Gel Alonte’s firm pledge as his administration reaches its first month.
As Alonte himself had promised in his inauguration, the recently-enacted Executive-Legislative Agenda – as well as his first priority acts in his first month as city mayor – aims to fulfill his goal of a Biñan City that is “makatao at makatarungan.”
Executive order
Alonte’s very first Executive order, signed last June 30, spelled out his new administration’s priority governance agenda for the next three years of his term.
Grounded in its vision of becoming the Premier Heritage and Trade Capital of the South, Biñan commits to responsive leadership, cultural pride, economic vitality, and accessible services for all sectors of society.
The executive order also spells the new Alonte administration's vision: of a "modern and developed city" where its responsible people are proudof their cultural, historical and artistic heritage; enjoy peace and security, economic stability, social justice, preserved environment, accessible quality education, responsive social services, and well-planned infrastructure facilities.
The order outlines 10 priority areas: peace and public safety, economic development, social justice, healthcare, environmental sustainability, education and youth, gender inclusivity, infrastructure, tourism and culture, and fiscal responsibility.
Key elements of Alonte’s new agenda include strengthening local services, supporting job creation, enhancing healthcare and education, promoting climate action, preserving heritage, and ensuring transparent, efficient governance.
‘Visible’ leader
But more than simply spelling out the direction of his administration, Alonte’s executive order clearly states what kind of leader he will be: a leader who will not only be “visible” but also proactive and responsive to the needs of Biñan City.
Alonte’s “Kapihan sa Barangay” during his final months as vice mayor is already indicative of the type of leadership that he wanted to emulate.
The first weeks of his term saw him making visits to various public areas in Biñan City such as the public market.
“Sa totoo lang po, hindi po ako mapakali. Gusto kong makita first-hand kung ano ang nangyayari sa ating lungsod,” he said.
“And of course, gusto ko ring mabigyan ng morale boost yung ating mga constituents – nakakausap natin sila, nabibigyan sila ng pagkakataon na direkta na nilang nasasabi sa kanilang mayor kung anong kailangan nila.”
Aside from making regular visits to various public areas in the city, Alonte also said he plans to hold regular monthly conferences with various department heads in the local government.
This is also Alonte's main aim in establishing a “monitoring and evaluation committee” that will track performance indicators, assess outcomes, and submit progress reports on the city's various local departments.
“Gusto ko na hindi lamang malaman ang mga accomplishment o yung mga ginagawa nila, kundi masuportahan na rin sila sa kung anumang maaari nilang magawa upang mapaghusay pa ang kanilang performance,” he explained.
Direct aid
Alonte’s “hands-on” approach to local governance was even made more manifest during the heavy rains brought by tropical storms “Crising” and “Dante” last week.
The city executive himself visited the coastal barangays of Malaban and Dela Paz, which were once again subjected to flooding, to personally assess the situation and give aid to affected residents.
Along with Vice Mayor Dada Reyes, Alonte also personally led the packing and distribution of relief goods to residents inside evacuation centers, as well as to those who opted to remain inside their houses at the height of the rains.
Disaster preparedness
Speaking of disaster preparedness, Alonte's EO spelled out under the peace and public safety agenda his plans to enhance the capacity of the CDRRMO as well as the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO).
Specifically, Alonte pointed out the need for enhanced equipment and personnel training to maintain the city’s disaster preparedness capabilities, especially in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather.
As for long-term solutions to the perennial problem of flooding in Biñan City’s coastal barangays, the city executive said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is coordinating with the local government in bringing additional dredging machines to the Biñan River to help increase the river’s capacity and reduce flooding during the rainy season.
This will complement the current efforts being made by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) under its “Better Rivers PH” initiative to dredge Biñan River.
“Naging malaking tulong po itong dredging operation ng SMC kaya’t hindi po masyadong binaha ang Barangay Malaban nitong nakaraang tag-ulan,” he added.
(Photo courtesy of the Biñan City Information Office)
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