Infra works, revenue surge to take spotlight in Chiong speech

CEBU, Philippines - Infrastructure improvement and revenue increase are expected to take the spotlight in the State of the Naga Address to be delivered by Mayor Valdemar Chiong tomorrow morning.

Chiong, who will be ending his third and last term as city's chief executive officer, is expected to deliver his second “SONA” at the Enan Chiong Activity Center. It is part of the city’s 8th Charter Day celebrations.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, Cebu First District Representative Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas and former congressman Eduardo Gullas are expected to grace the ceremony tomorrow.

House Bill No. 537 declares September 5 of every year as a special working holiday in Naga as it celebrates its foundation anniversary.

It was former congressman Eduardo Gullas who authored the cityhood bill of Naga and Carcar, whose charters were ratified in plebiscites in 2007.

Chiong is expected to delve on his accomplishments in the past year with highlight on the ongoing and already completed infrastructure projects.

Also expected is his discussion on the “sound financial management,” including the city’s increased revenue collections.

Under his administration, Chiong has nine major infrastructure projects that are set to be completed either within the year or early next year.

Six of these projects are scheduled to be finished before the year ends, as follows: a rubberized track oval and grandstand at City of Naga Central Elementary School, a new public market, the medical building, a new city jail, a covered tennis court and a training center-cum-food court.

The construction of a boardwalk, a Coast Guard tower with lighthouse and an Olympic-size pool has already been set to start this year, along with the plan to construct a world-class wakeboarding park and a zipline all at the scenic baywalk area.

Chiong said the city government is eyeing to host the next Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association meet, with its new sports facilities.  (FREEMAN)