Navarro new Basak-San Nicolas chief

CEBU, Philippines - Barangay Basak-San Nicolas councilman Norman Navarro has formally assumed the position vacated by the late barangay captain George Rama.

Navarro was sworn in by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday as the new barangay captain replacing George who passed away last Monday due to severe pneumonia.

Navarro is the barangay’s first-ranked councilor so he was able to automatically take over the position vacated by George by virtue of the rule of succession.

Section 45 of the Local Government Code says “permanent vacancies in the sanggunian where automatic successions do not apply shall be filled by appointment by the city or municipal mayor, in the case of sangguniang barangay, upon recommendation of the sangguniang barangay concerned.”

“Very historical, (Navarro was) sworn in under the banaba tree in the presence of Solid Waste Management Board. By succession, the new barangay captain of Basak San Nicolas will exercise all the barangay functions,” Rama said.

With the new leadership, Rama assured that the city will help the barangay in the fulfillment of its projects and programs. He said he wants the barangay to heighten the collection of garbage in the area.

Navarro said he will continue to deliver what the previous captain has started, particularly on addressing the solid waste management through “Gubat sa Basura.”

Navarro, however, said they are experiencing a dilemma on lack of garbage trucks and on the far-flung location of landfill area.

“Naglisod mi og cope up sa garbage collection kay layo ang labayanan and insufficient and vehicles to transport the garbage to Consolacion,” he said.

The barangay has four dump trucks, two of which bogged down and are yet to be repaired.

The newly-appointed barangay captain is asking the city government for additional vehicles to better address the barangay’s predicament. — (FREEMAN)