Koronadalenos, to expect a stronger and more dynamic Ogena-Araquil Tandem
The tandem of City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena and Vice Mayor Erlinda Pabi-Araquil is a team-up that is to watch out for.
After these two strong officials came out victorious May 2022 polls, expectations are very high. Everyone hopes for smooth delivery of services in the City Government of Koronadal as they both came from the same party. Mayor Ogena leads the team “Bagong Koronadal” while Vice Mayor Araquil becomes the party’s adopted candidate.
As these two officials start with their respective responsibilities, the people will have to expect a more dynamic tandem and will be in harmony during this term.
During the recent Inauguration of the Newly Elected City Government Officials at The Farm at Carpenter Hill, Mayor Ogena highlighted his priorities and plans for the city. On the other hand, the newly elected Vice Mayor Araquil pledged to take City of Koronadal to greater heights.
In his message, the chief executive emphasized the three key priorities of his administration in his first one hundred days in office. These include the reorganization of the city government’s personnel structure, the amendment of the Iskolar ng Koronadal (ISKO) Ordinance and the expedition of the passage of the Enhanced Barangay and Purok Empowerment Ordinance.
According to Mayor Ogena, to achieve good governance, he would like to integrate the appropriate policies with responsive, effective and efficient bureaucracy. Thus, he promised to reorganize the personnel structure of the city government and eventually create positions and fill-out vacancies based on the needs of every department.
Further, he wanted to amend the ISKO into ISKO-Kabugwason Paglaum, patterned after the province’s existing scholarship program. Through the new scholarship grant system, more opportunities will be opened such as Medical Degree and Doctor of Law courses which will allow automatic slots for indigenous, Muslim communities, PWDs and those who excel in sports, science, culture and arts.
Likewise, he will ensure the swift passage of the Enhanced Barangay and Purok Empowerment Ordinance, the flagship program encapsulating his 10-Point Development Agenda and Barangay Empowerment Program, including the built-in information drive and synchronized election for Purok officials for permanent funding and implementation.
“In this next phase of progress, this administration will focus on policy and continuity targeted at every sector of society. Expect these three priorities during my first 100 days in office”, Mayor Ogena declared.
Aside from those priorities, the chief executive envisioned our small city thriving economically. Thus, he wanted the entire city to be well-lighted, clean, green and beautiful, enhancing security, easing trade, and distinguishing City of Koronadal from the neighboring municipalities and cities.
Another thing that he would want to focus on is the economic enterprises in the city. As promised, he wanted to revive the city’s Public Market and Chinatown and retrofit the old city hall by restoring it into a modern Public Library, Museum and Pasalubong Center. Through this it will solidify our position as the seat of business, tourism and governance in SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
Moreover, for his second term, Mayor Ogena promised to continue the redistricting of the City Health Office with complete on-call ambulances, doctors, medical technologists and nurses, which aims to bring medical service closer to each district. He is also willing to use the 2.7-hectare land along Carpenter Hill, generously donated by the Del Rosario family, as a public primary hospital and laboratory wherein the city’s mobile X-Ray and Dialysis Center will also be built.
Before the end of his term, Mayor Ogena also vowed to push through with the Blok Creek Commercialization and Median Refuge Islands. He wanted to pursue the free internet for all by gradually rolling out the “Free City Wifi” Project, starting with government offices, school zones, public markets, parks and other public spaces. Likewise, he wanted to develop the existing building in Rizal Park, making it a Cultural Hub.
The 2nd termer mayor called for unity. He asked his fellow public officials to end the division and resume public service.
“All should work together to fast track development because when we are united, we can do more, and we can achieve more,” the chief executive said.
On the other hand, Vice Mayor Araquil urged everyone to unite and work together to achieve the dream development for every Koronadaleño and the entire city of Koronadal. She also promised to do her very best to live up to the people’s expectations.
“I am hoping that with your assistance, I can guarantee that we will have a great time and all problems are properly dealt with and remedied. I vow that I will not take this position lightly. I am well aware of the responsibilities that you have entrusted me”, Araquil said.
She also addressed her critics to give her the chance to serve and uphold her mandate as the city’s new vice mayor.
“Let this woman lead the Sangguniang Panlungsod”, Vice Mayor Araquil appealed.
Evidently, both officials are excited to work hand in hand with their fellow officials in the sanggunian. With this, Koronadaleños will definitely be assured of the quality service they truly deserve.