To enforce laws strictly in barangays: CH to form ‘Task Force Disiplina’  

CEBU, Philippines —  City Hall has warned residents of Cebu City of stricter enforcement of laws and ordinances at the barangay level, particularly those pertaining to the environment, health and safety, sanitation, and traffic.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is expected to issue an executive order to establish the “Task Force Disiplina,” a move aimed at strengthening Rama’s vision for the city to be Singapore-like.

“Alang sa kasayuran sa mga residente sa Syudad sa Sugbo, sa panahon mapirmahan ni Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama ang executive order kabahin sa ‘Oplan Disiplina’ sa dili pa ang Oktobre 1, 2022, ubay-ubay gyud ang madakpan… kana kun walay self-control ug self-discipline atong mga residente,” said Ramin Ayuman, the mayor’s special assistant.

Ayuman said the task force will be composed of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Cebu City Traffic Office, PROBE’s demolition team, barangay environmental officer, city hall satellite office, force multiplier and other authorized government agencies accordingly.

A holding center will be established in each barangay where violators will be oriented of Rama’s Singapore-like vision and how they can help reach this goal. Aside from this, violators will mostly likely be required to render community service.

“Ubos unya sa Oplan Disiplina, mag-establisar unya og mga holding centers sa matag barangay alang sa mga madakpan unya sa mga city ordinance sa syudad sa Sugbo,” Ayuman said.

Earlier, according to the city’s public information office, Rama called for a convergence meeting with Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Franklyn Ong, Councilor Joel Garganera, different government agencies, and city department heads, said the city’s public information office.

Even before the task force is formed, the city has already issued citation tickets to those caught throwing garbage, spitting, and urinating anywhere, as well as for various traffic violations.

Instilling discipline among residents, Rama believes, is one way to solve the city’s perennial garbage and flooding problems, among others.

The mayor echoed the point made by his wife, Malou, that discipline begins at home, which is aligned with his administration’s bottom-up approach, something that requires active involvement of barangay officials.

Rama’s consultant on flooding, former environment secretary Roy Cimatu, also emphasized the vital role barangay officials play in transforming Cebu City into a brand new city. – JMO (FREEMAN)