ORMOC CITY- Mayor Richard Gomez of this city and his wife, Rep. Lucy Torres Gomez led in the swearing in elected officials of the city during the May 13 midterm elections.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at the city’s superdome on Sunday (June 30) attended by their supporters, officials of the City Hall, and guests.
Mayor Gomez, elected for a second term, and his wife-Rep.Torres-Gomez said they were “elated” of the new city councilors under the Ormoc Development Team.
“I look forward to working with them and delivering to Ormocanons the projects and programs that I have envisioned for Ormoc in the coming years,” the city mayor said.
“Thank you very much for your confidence and trust in my administration, for giving me a second chance to lead you.I am humbled by your presence, and more so, on the validation that Ormocanons have given to my leadership by giving the Ormoc Development Team a ‘13-0’ win. I was told it was a historic win,” Gomez said during his inaugural address.
Also taking their oath were Vice Mayor Leo Carmelo Locsin and Councilors Bennet Pongos, Roiland Villasencio, Tommy Serafica, Nolito Quilang, Gerry Penserga, Jasper Lucero, Perok Rodriguez, Vince Rama, Goito Yrastorza, and Lalaine Marcos.
Following his “Let’s Get Ormoc Moving Ahead” slogan, Gomez hoped to start working on making the Lake Danao Water System a reality as soon as possible.
“Water has always been a contentious issue in this city, but one thing is certain, we cannot continue to solve water issues on a piece meal basis. It is also ironic that six towns and one city are benefiting from Lake Danao, while Ormoc suffers. It’s time for us to harness the lake’s resources for our own use and solve our water problems for the next 25 or more years,” said Gomez.
Next in his agenda is the launching of the modernization program of the city’s transportation system.
His other major projects include solving the “growing need for shelter” in Ormoc, opening up more roads and schools, and increasing their capability to respond to disasters.
“The year 2018 and the first half of 2019 have been kind to Ormoc. There were no life-threatening calamities, but we cannot be complacent. We have to be ready for eventualities. We will be acquiring more ambulances, water trucks and fire trucks. We will put more automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in big barangays, and will continue to support programs on disaster prevention,” said Gomez.
Also in line with his programs and projects to be implemented for the next three years include improvement of the city’s slaughter and main market; enhance peace and order programs and upgrade street lights and lights and fans at the superdome; health, education, and social welfare; increase and strengthen livelihood programs; create sustainable tourism products; implement city land use plan and zoning ordinances; and clearing the national highways of illegally parked vehicles.
Also, Gomez said that he will invite industries that could produce energy from waste and trash.
“We must also ban the use of single use plastics by 2021. We have to be decisive in this area if we must save Mother Earth for our children and their children. In response also to the needs of our people, we will be launching more health and wellness programs,” added the actor-turned-mayor. (RONALD O. REYES)
