Mayor Eric Africa has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for Lipa City, addressing critical community concerns while forging a path toward progress.
One of the most pressing challenges Lipa now faces is traffic congestion.
Recognizing the historical backlog in road infrastructure development, Mayor Africa outlined his strategy to alleviate this issue.
He emphasized the inevitability of urban traffic and the necessity of widening existing roads in Lipa to accommodate its rapidly expanding population.
An ordinance targeting illegally parked vehicles has also been crafted and promptly issued. This is aimed at clearing the streets of improperly parked tricycles, buses, and trucks.
Penalties of which are prohibitive. Depending on the size of a vehicle, the penalties range from P300 to P5,000. The name of this opus is clamping.
The city is currently executing a series of road construction projects, including routes from Marawoy to Villa de Lipa 1, Kayumanggi to Malagonlong, Marawoy to Sabang, Bulacnin to Tangway access road, Manila to Batangas to Bugtong interchange, Manila-Batangas bypass road (Phase 3), and Lipa to Mataas na Kahoy.
Plans are also in motion for new roads connecting STAR Tollway to Lumbang, with proposals for roadways from Pinagkawitan to Tipacan to Barangay Sto. Toribio. These developments aim to alleviate traffic congestion around De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) and improve connectivity for all.
Healthcare
Mayor Africa's unwavering commitment to public health is evident as he unveiled plans to overhaul the city’s healthcare systems. Additional super health centers in Mataas na Lupa, Antipolo Del Norte, and Marawoy will soon be equipped with state-of-the-art resources, machinery, and personnel to better serve the community.
Furthermore, the city is set to introduce four specialized hospitals, each focusing on specific health conditions. These facilities will commence operations this year, with all operational costs covered by the local government.
The hospitals include Lipa City Hospital System 1 (geriatrics, medical, and surgery), System 2 (pediatrics and ob-gyn), System 3 (renal, dialysis, and specialty centers), and System 4 (diagnostics, laboratory, and industrial).
Mayor Africa also introduced the Lipa family health card, ensuring access to essential medical care and financial assistance during emergencies or times of financial hardship. This initiative stands as a testament to the city's enduring commitment to the well-being of its residents.
Tourism in Lipa
Lipa City's potential as a tourism hub was also discussed, and Mayor Africa unveiled the dynamic slogan, #EatPrayLoveLipa. Nestled in the heart of Batangas province and Calabarzon, Lipa boasts favorable weather and a thriving coffee culture, offering a diverse array of international and local cuisines.
The city is poised to become a sought-after destination.
To stimulate economic growth, the city will focus on initiatives promoting culinary experiences, government centers, medical tourism, educational facilities, and meetings, incentives, corporate, and events (MICE). Mayor Africa's vision also extends to encouraging government agencies to establish satellite regional offices in Lipa, further enhancing his city's prominence.
Ongoing projects
Mayor Africa concluded with updates on several ongoing projects, including the construction of the new Lipa City Hall in Barangay Bulacnin, the Lipa family park, senior citizens, and LGBTQ+ home care programs, the Lipeño apartment-style cemetery, and a permanent evacuation center designed for times of calamity.
The future of Lipa City is indeed promising, driven by a dedicated administration committed to the welfare and progress of its residents. With these projects and initiatives, Mayor Eric Africa charts a course towards a thriving, interconnected, and resilient Lipa.
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