The writer, Mindanao Enquirer publisher Roel Catoto (left) with Mayor Benglen Ecleo.
ROEL N. CATOTO
Online news contributor
SURIGAO CITY: Mayor Benglen Ecleo of San Jose, Dinagat Province, recently revealed his administration’s priorities in the next three years, which, he said, includes greener environment, agriculture, employment and livelihood.
A greener environment, for example, Benglen said, could be achieved through the proper waste disposal system which he already implemented in his town.
“The proper waste disposal system is now being implemented already. Now, we are happy to say that our waste disposal system is orderly and in the right track. Before, we used to dump our garbage in an open pit which was not good and acceptable.”
“Right now, we have a recovery facility system on this project. We segregate our garbage from recyclable and non-recyclable. The municipal government has shelled-out P3-million for this project because we purchased a dump truck and constructed a building for the recovery facility system. These are all in line with the solid management waste disposal system in which we separate the non-biodegradable, biodegradable and recyclable,” the mayor explained.
In the field of agriculture, the mayor said he is promoting Slope Farming, like the one employed by farmers in Baguio City and in the Cordillera Region.
He noted that the kind of farming system is applicable here since they have enormous unused lands due to its hilly landscape.
“Our town is abundant in reserved mineral ores. However, it’s a pity sight to see our vast tract of lands lay idle in unproductive state. I’m going to tap and request the Department of Agriculture to assign to us an expert in Slope Farming who will teach and guide our farmers using the latest technology so that our idle lands could be utilized for agriculture purposes and our town will eventually become more productive,” Benglen said. .
In terms of employment and livelihood, a scheme converting the unfilled plantilla items into “job order positions” and provided income-generating projects for his less-fortunate constituents will be devised by the mayor.
“Sad to note, we have a high rate of unemployment here. But as much as possible, we try to reduce this. So, the municipality decided to convert some of our plantilla items into job order positions. With this system, we can provide employment to a good number of our people because each item is shared by two prospective employees who would serve alternately every six months thereof.”
“This is good because we can easily change people who are lazy in their jobs. Pang-pamilya kining ato ug gitawag ni nga ‘ikot system’ aron naay equal distribution of wealth.”
“We have alternative livelihood projects for women such as basket-making, cross-stitching and other handicrafts. For the disabled people, we started to construct a commercial building in which you will eventually see an entertainment area, videoke bars, parlors and sari-sari stores,” he said.
Further, the construction of floating cottages is already underway and the same will benefit this less-fortunate people. All these projects are funded by the municipal government of San Jose and the provincial government of Dinagat,” Benglen added.
He revealed that he is looking for more projects such as infrastructure, water system and electric system to hasten the development of his town.