ILOILO – To deliver swift and shedload service to the Ilonggos, the provincial government would soon purchase million-worth vehicles for the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
“Actually dugay na ‘ni nga plan, sang 2019 pa,” said Vice Gov. Christine Garin in an interview with Panay News.
“It was already budgeted that time. Amo lang ‘na nga nag-pandemya gani wala naton ma-process,” Garin clarified.
It was in 2019 yet when the SP requested for funds from the Office of the Governor for the provision of vehicles for 10 Provincial Board members including the presidents of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation, Liga ng mga Barangay and the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) – Iloilo Chapter.
The budget – around P2 million per vehicle – was approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Garin said.
However, the provincial government would only procure seven cars for now – one for the Office of the Vice Governor, one to be shared by three SP ex-officio members, and five for the 10 regular SP member (two Board members representing a district will just share one vehicle)
“For now amu lang ‘ni anay kay ti tama man kadako sang amount kon kada isa hatagan sang salakyan. Amat-amat lang,” Garin said.
She also said SP members were given the discretion to choose what kind of vehicles would suit their needs “kay sila ang mas nakahibalo kon ano ang nagakadapat nga salakyan sa ila areas.”
Garin confirmed each district’s preference: SUVs (sport utility vehicles) for the 1st, 3rd and 4th districts and the vice governor; pickup for the 2nd and 5th districts; and van for the ex-officio members.
The SP members were Marcelo Valentine Serag and Renee Valencia (1st District). June Mondejar and Rolito Calijig (2nd District), Matt Palabrica and Jason Gonzales (3rd District), Rolando Distura and Domingo Oso Jr. (4th District); and Carol Espinosa-Diaz and Nielito Tupas (5th District).
The ex-officio members were SK federation president Angelica Bianca Requinto, Liga ng mga Barangay president Dorothy Paes and Philippine Councilors League – Iloilo Chapter president Ramon Sullano.
There would be a bidding.
RED PLATE ‘ADVANTAGEOUS’
Garin expressed confidence that the Ilonggos would understand the situation, citing the coronavirus disease pandemic.
With red plates, members of the SP could extend help to communities hassle-free, especially in areas with border restrictions.
Garin also shared this experience: “Kon may red plate gani (sa salakyan) especially kon may border restrictions mahapos gid kay daw dasig-dasig gawa ang imo pagbiyahe and damo mabuligan kon madasig dasig kaw.”
Garin also contrasted the situation of the province and city of Iloilo.
“At this time waay man guro problema kay lain man ‘ya ang sitwasyon sa city kag sang province in terms of area. Kon bilog nga province may ara s ang five districts and more than 1,700 barangays from end to end,” Garin added.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iloilo City came under fire recently for requesting from the city government service vehicles for each of its 14 members./PN
