CEBU, Philippines — The Municipality of Consolacion is working on its aspiration of becoming a city, as it nears its centennial celebration.
In an interview during his visit at the governor’s office, Consolacion Mayor Joannes “Joyjoy” Alegado told Capitol reporters that they have already coordinated with Cebu 6th District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon for a bill pushing for the upgrading of Consolacion into a city.
Alegado said Dizon is merely waiting for the results of the 2020 census so that they may confirm that Consolacion has already met the required population of 150,000.
“This year 2020 will be the national census year. So the Philippine National Statistics Authority already visited me. So, they will be conducting the census this coming May. They will be tapping all our teachers,” Alegado said.
“She is just waiting for the final census. It will be ready by about August this year,” he added.
As for their annual internal revenue allotment (IRA), Alegado said they reach about P500M annually, going past the P100M requirement for their cityhood dreams.
He said he hopes to see the upgrade prior to the 2021 elections.
Meanwhile, Governor Gwen Garcia said the provincial government is willing to give financial assistance to Consolacion for their 100th founding year anniversary.
“Wa pa sila ni-request. Of course, motabang gyud ta kay that’s once in a lifetime,” she said.
She also confirmed her attendance to the celebration.
Alegado also said that the upcoming celebration is the reason why they have opted not to defend their Sinulog Free Interpretation victory.
“So sad kaayo ta nga wa ta ka-defend sa atoang being champion. It is because duol ra kaayo sa atong centennial celebration… I would say di na madala sa lawas,” he said.
He said that the same people organizing the centennial celebration would have been the ones in charge of the town’s Sinulog entry.
He assured, however, that, despite this, their reverence to Sr. Sto. Niño remains. GAN (FREEMAN)