TACLOBAN CITY- Promoting development in the countryside and increase the share of the internal revenue allotment (IRA) for local government units are just two of the priorities that would be pushed by the Leyte mayors.
This was disclosed by Barugo Mayor Maria Rosario Avestruz who was elected as the information officer of the League of Mayors of the Philippines- Leyte Chapter.
Avestruz, who is serving on her first term as mayor, said that during the organization’s election held on Monday (August 22), Javier Mayor Leonardo “Sandy” Javier was reelected as president.
This will be Javier’s second term as president of the group.
Also elected were Palo Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla as vice president; Dulag Mayor Joy Mildred Que, secretary with Mahaplag Mayor Daisy Lleve as her assistant; La Paz Mayor Lesmes Lumen as treasurer with San Miguel Mayor Cheeryl Enrica Esperas as his assistant; Palompon Mayor Ramon Oñate as auditor; Calubian Mayor Doroteo Palconit and Dagami Mayor Abundio Delusa as sergeant-at-arms.
Also elected as board of directors were Tanauan Mayor Pelagio Tecson Jr., for first district; Burauen Mayor Juanito Renomeron for second district; Tabango Mayor Bernard Jonathan Remandaban for third district; Kananga Mayor Rowena Codilla for fourth district and Hindang Mayor Betty Cabal for fifth district.
The new set of officers of the Leyte mayor’s group was inducted into office by Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla.
While Leyte has 41 town mayors, only 30 were present during the Monday’s election. Among those who were absent was embattled Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. who is fighting allegation on his involvement on illegal drug trade.
Leyte has 21 new mayors of which 13 of them are women.
According to Mayor Avestruz, the thrust of their group under Mayor Javier, is to request the national government to increase the IRA shares of the local government units, especially those categorized in the fourth to sixth classes which depends much of the funding coming from the national government and encourage more investments in the countryside.
“By promoting investments in the countryside not only these areas will (economically) develop but will also help stop people leaving the provinces to find work outside,” Avestruz said.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
