Koronadal City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena delivered his second State of the City Address (SOCA) on August 15, 2023, at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center.
In his more than one hour speech, he highlighted his past, present, and future accomplishments as city mayor.
Here are the highlights of his SOCA:
INFRASTRUCTURE:
The infrastructure projects under his administration have been a major focus of his administration since day one.
According to Mayor Ogena, “Improving the infrastructure is one way of saying, We’re ready for big things. We’re ready for the future. Come grow with us.”
From 2022 to the 1st quarter of 2023, a total of 594.6 million was allotted for infrastructure projects.
The city government has invested 36 million pesos for the traffic lights along major thoroughfares, 54 million pesos for the streetlights along Palian Bridget to Barangay Morales and Alunan Avenue to Barangay Paraiso, and 45.9 million for drainage canals and other flood control projects.
A modern Calaliman Bridge at the public market and a hanging bridge in Barangay Esperanza will soon be used by the public.
AGRICULTURE:
From 13 million, the agriculture budget has increased significantly to 34 million this year to expand the provision of employment to the people.
Farmers, who are affected by the Rice Tarrification Law, have received financial assistance as well as Palay Marketing Assistance. A total of 1,918 corn farmers have also availed of corn marketing assistance and corn fertilizer cash assistance.
To assist aquaculture farmers, the city government has launched an inland fish hatchery.
It has also financed the construction of agriculture facilities, machinery, and farm-to-market roads, as well as the repair of a small water impounding project at Sitio Supon to supply water to the 120-hectare rice fields.
A total of 1.3 million pesos was allocated for the repair of the greenhouse, perimeter fence, guard house, and training center located at the Demo Farm.
In order to aid in the restoration of the flower industry, the city constructed a mini dam in Barangay Saravia that can water a 5-hectare plot of land which is a progressive type that can water up to 20-hectares and is due for future expansion.
In terms of the livestock and animal industries, the city government has distributed livelihood assistance to animal raisers through the Livestock and Poultry Dispersal Program. To help the small meat processors, the city has provided 1.5 million pesos for the construction of the Meat Processing Center.
LOCAL BUSINESS & INVESTMENTS
An additional 1,200 new businesses were registered from 2022 to 2023, in which the city government has collected a total revenue of more than 333 million pesos as of the 2nd quarter of 2023.
The city is prepared to become a central player in the regional meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions industry. A number of national and multinational companies showed interest in setting up shops in Koronadal, one of which is the Robinsons Mall, which will start construction next year.
Aside from Wilcon Depot in Barangay Morales, which started its construction,Toyota has decided to transfer their head office from General Santos to Koronadal, specifically at Brgy. Sto. Nino, with an estimated project cost of 200 million pesos. Recently, JAC Motors International, one of the top distributors of heavy equipment, has also opened a branch here in the city.
“It is now evident that we are becoming one of the thriving business centers in the region. With the efforts of all functioning departments involved, I am proud to say that our city now ranks as the 3rd Most Resilient Component City during the 10th Cities & Municipalities Competitiveness Summit. We were also awarded 3rd Place as the Philippine’s Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit in the Component Cities Category by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” Ogena proudly announced.
SECURITY
On the other hand, to help other partner agencies, the city government has equipped the city’s police force with 13 mobile vehicles and 11 motorcycles; added 40 handheld radios and CCTV equipment, and provided 1 million pesos for the newly built jail facility of the BJMP.
Through the conduct of illegal drug operations this year, the number of drug cases decreased by 19%.
LOCAL ECONOMIC ENTERPRISES
In terms of the city’s local economy, the mayor has always wanted to create an environment that attracts investment and provides opportunities for all.
The on-going construction of the new two-unit, three-story supermarket-perimeter building with 4-storey parking amounting to 300 million pesos is underway. A total of 33.9 million was spent to speed up the completion of Public Market Phase I, equipped with an elevator for more convenient shopping.
Another 25.8 million pesos was allocated for the renovation of facilities in Chinatown, while 7.75 million was apportioned for the renovation of our slaughterhouse at Brgy. GPS to meet Double A standards, and an additional 6 million was used to purchase a lot for another slaughterhouse at Brgy. Paraiso.
The city government will undergo TESDA accreditation for the NC-2 butchering training program since the slaughterhouse now adheres to industry-level standards.
Aside from the 5-hectare development Mabini Memorial Park, the plan for the construction of Muslim Memorial Park and the Public Cemetery for Indigenous Community are also under conceptualizationand consultation.
“We have already acquired the lot for this project, at inaayos na natin ang road access nito papuntang Purok Garfin, Barangay Paraiso para sa future construction. May hinahanda na ding plano at naghahanap na ng area para sa future public cemetery for indigenous communities”, Ogena stated.
YOUTH
The youth sector in the city of Koronadal has retained the Seal of Good Local Governance Passer for two consecutive years. The city has established its first-ever City of Koronadal Youth Development Plan with a total amount of 3 million pesos for the implementation of city-wide programs.
To nurture entrepreneurship among the youth, the city government has collaborated with TESDA and Koronadal Millennial Academy and utilized 50,000 pesos to provide starter kits and subsidies on dressmaking. Aside from this, 300 slots were given to local youth organizations for the train-for-work program with YouthWorksPH and Philippine Business for Education.
The City of Koronadal is committed to developing young athletes. With this, the city has conducted a summer training festival. It also provided financial support to the athletes who competed in the last Batang Pinoy 2022.
In June 2023, the city government was awarded Gawad Edukampyon, the National Champion for Capacity Building, with the highest rating of 97.50% out of all component city LGUs in the country.
Meanwhile, seventy scholars have successfully graduated from college through the Iskolar ng Koronadal-Kabugwason Scholarship Program.
Mayor Ogena, on the other hand, commended the Marbel Youth Choir for bringing home three gold medals during the 12th Bali International Choral Festival. “Thank you for putting Koronadal City on the global map of culture and arts”, Ogena chimed.
SOCIAL SERVICES:
The city government continues to prioritize the vulnerable sectors and make sure that no one is left behind.
In 2022, the city distributed financial assistance amounting to 24.1 million, which was distributed to barangay workers and marginalized sectors. Three hundred five (305) senior citizens received cash incentives, and seven (7) centenarians were able to collect an additional 20,000 pesos.
Through the “Bulig sa Kubos” Program, 5,990 beneficiaries have received approximately 21 million pesos for medical and financial assistance from 2022 to June 2023. A sum of 8.4 million pesos was distributed to beneficiaries of the burial assistance.
Meanwhile, 17 entrepreneurs were given 30,000–35,000 pesos of livelihood starters from the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, and 10,349 beneficiaries were given emergency employment assistance under the TUPAD Program.
In 2023, a total of 2.5 million pesos in Pangkabuhayan Financial Assistance, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 pesos, was distributed to 766 beneficiaries, including some organized groups.
Further, sixty-three (63) recovering drug dependents have undergone the 18-month Aftercare Program, the first and only holistic recovery approach with a dedicated aftercare team in the province. Twenty-one (21) graduates have received livelihood starter assistance.
HOUSING
After the turnover of the 170 housing units at Cityville Resettlement Project Phase I, Phase 2, with 130 additional housing units, has also commenced. Two more relocation sites located in Barangay San Jose and Barangay Magsaysay are yet to be developed.
Aside from housing, the city government has also addressed the basic needs of underprivileged families. In 2022, a total of 4.6 million pesos were allocated to provide free water connections with meters to the less fortunate residents in 27 barangays, the first time in a country that an LGU has collaborated with the local water district to provide free line installation to its constituents.
Jetmatic pumps, artesian wells, and Potable Water System Level II in Brgy. San Jose were installed. These project was funded by the DILG. Reservoir potable water systems have also been built at Brgy. Paraiso and San Isidro.
In addition, the city has also installed electricity which has benefited 492 families.
HEALTH
In terms of public health, the city government became the first in the region to institutionalize and establish a 24/7 Health Emergency Medical Service Operations Center. It provides round-the-clock medical needs for all Koronadaleños.
The new City Health Office building was open to the public. The DOH-licensed primary care facility is a PhilHealth Konsulta package-accredited facility.
Meanwhile, there is an on-going construction of the radiology building, including an upgraded primary laboratory, X-ray room, and ultrasound machine. The city also plans to build a canopy walk and an elevator to the building.
To bring medical services closer to the people and to reduce the volume of people in the main health center, the city government has established district health centers with six district doctors, three public health nurses, and three nursing assistants.
Last July, the City Health TB DOTS was awarded First Place in the Top Performing Facility on Case Holding by DOH SOCCSKSARGEN and Philippine Business for Social Progress.
The city government has also addressed the rising crisis of mental health disorders through the passage of Executive Order No. 45-A, creating the City of Koronadal Council for Mental Health.
In terms of nutrition, through city-wide nutritional programs and interventions, the case of malnutrition has decreased to 34%.
For two consecutive years, the city received the Nutrition Honor Award Maintenance; the last time was in 2004. “One more year of hard work at maaabot na natin ang prestigious na Presidential Nutrition Honor Award”, Mayor Ogena announced.
Koronadal City is also committed to protecting the health and welfare of our animals. From 2022 until today, 12,629 dogs and cats received vaccinations, and 952 illness and injury cases were given treatment. To ensure more responsibility for our dog owners and mitigate rabies cases in our city, a pilot program was established in one of the urban barangays where microchips were injected into dogs this year.
Also, the city has established Animal Care at Demo Farm, one of the biggest in Region XII. Alongside is the opening of the Animal Bite Center, accredited by the DOH and PhilHealth.
DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
To further improve the emergency response services of the city’s Emergency Operations Center, the KORONA 911 program, the city government has strengthened its connection with different agencies. It has provided radios with antennas to 27 barangays for fast and efficient communication.
Aside from being a Beyond Compliant National Awardee in Gawad Kalasag in 2022, the city became the Rank 3 Awardee in the Annual National Ranking of Resiliency Indicator under the Component Cities Category of Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index.
CLEANLINESS, GREENING AND BEAUTIFICATION INITIATIVES
The mayor talked lengthily about the city government’s goal of becoming a leader in environmental sustainability in the region and ensuring that future generations can enjoy a healthy, environment-friendly, garbage-free, and beautifully-landscaped city.
Notably, the roadside development and beautification projects have been kept clean, with the help of Task Force Kaayusan and Kalinisan. This includes the facade of our New City Hall all the way to BIR and other areas along Gensan Drive.
To beautify the city center even more, Phase 1 of the B’lok Creek Rehabilitation and Beautification Project at Jollibee Roundball has already been completed. However, Phases 2 and 3 are undergoing construction.
Besides landscaping, additional facilities were constructed for the benefit of pedestrians, runners, and bikers. This is just one of the many projects implemented in the city with the help of former Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez.
The chief executive also shared one of his favorites among the beautification initiatives in the city.“One of my personal favorites would be the 270 crown-inspired decorative lights na makikita natin all year round sa kahabaan ng Gensan Drive – a simple idea that has now become part of our city’s nightly attractions. Kukumpletuhin natin ang pagkakabit nito sa kahabaan ng national highway before the end of my second term”, Ogena shared.
He excitedly announced that a modern arc will also be built at Palian Bridge that will surely capture the attention of commuters and provide a very fitting reception for visitors entering the City of Koronadal.
Recently, a plastic recycling facility and a glass bottle crusher were set up, which aim to extend the lifespan of the city’s sanitary landfill #2 by up to 50%.
A return-and-earn project will soon begin where incentives will be given in exchange for recyclable materials.
Meanwhile, a septage management system with modern technology will be established to manage the sewage system in Koronadal.
PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT
Ogena was proud to share that the city government was the first in the entire Philippines to be granted the Gratuitous Special Use Permit by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Earlier this month, the chief executive entered into a Memorandum of Partnership with the DENR XII for the turnover of nine residential and five agricultural free patents and finally awarded land titles to the landless Koronadaleños.
And finally, the city also had a special patent granting official certificates of title for four public properties of the city, which include Rizal Park, the public cemetery, Freedom Park, and the public market. The 32 certificates of title from the donated lot in Chinatown were also given to the city government.
On the other hand, the Marbel-Buluan Watershed Management Alliance, spearheaded by the city, was created to help sustain the water supply and protect the city’s neighboring provinces and municipalities.
“The City Government is dedicated to creating an environment that attracts investment and provides opportunities for all. A healthy and robust economy results in a brighter future for Bagong Koronadal”, Ogena declared.
HUMAN RESOURCES
The Mayor pointed out that the programs, projects, and services are realized through the inspired workforce of the City Government of Koronadal.
“I am happy to say that the organizational restructuring pushed by this administration facilitated the creation of 218 permanent positions, resulting in a total of 596 plantilla items, which we have already filled by 84% as of today. With the strengthening of local bureaucracy,the people of Koronadal can expect more from the city government”, Ogena stated.
For 2022, the city government has generated a total of 1.6 billion pesos in operating income, which guarantees the realization of its programs and projects. From this amount, 1.2 billion came from the internal revenue allotment and 388 from local revenue.
“Hindi pa man natatapos ang taon, we have reached 784.9 million in operating income as of second quarter ng 2023. Makakaasa kayo na angpondong ito ay mapupunta sa mga programang mapapakinabangan ng mga Koronadalenyo”, Ogena assured his constituents.
The city government also had 96.9 million pesos in cash surplus last year. It consistently maintained good financial housekeeping with transparent transactions and no disallowances.
Apart from that, the city government became the second-highest remitting LGU within Revenue District Office 111 with almost 90 million remittances to BIR from 2022–2023, wherein the city received a commendation fromthe Commission on Audit for the Good Safekeeping of the People’s Money.
When it comes to land mapping and assessment, the city was also awarded 2nd Place in Category A for being the Most Outstanding City Assessor’s Office in the Province of South Cotabato for sustaining its efforts on real property tax implementation.
Meanwhile, the citizens of Koronadal will now be able to access essential services such as healthcare, education, and financial assistance through the timely recordkeeping of civil registrations.
With 4.9 million document requests and processing in 2022, the city tops the Search for the Outstanding Local Civil Registry Office in South Cotabato (Kasalan ng Bayan/Barangay Category) and became 4th placer in the Search for the Local Civil Registry in SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
THE BARANGAY, PUROK, AND SITIO EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
The city government continues to empower the barangays in order to play a more active role in local governance.
Through the Barangay Purok and Sitio Empowerment Program (BPSSEP), the city government has provided support and resources to enable barangay officials to make informed decisions, engage with their communities, and implement projects that address local needs.
“To strengthen the capacity of our barangays, we have continuously provided the necessary support and resources to enable barangay officials to make informed decisions, and implement projects for their constituents”, Ogena said.
FUTURE PLANS
“My fellow citizens, I stand before you with a vision for our future that is bold, ambitious, and exciting”, Ogena highlighted.
Mayor Ogena vowed to make Koronadal connected to the world. He believes that the city has all the opportunity to turn the city into a smart city and tech hub and is confident that the city has the capacity and components needed to make it happen.
He also assured that in the next few months, Phase 1 of the Koronadal Starlink Project will install Starlink across our 27 barangays, along with the public market, public terminal, and Rizal Park. With faster internet, the chief executive believes it can empower every barangay and improve lives by enabling faster and more efficient access to public services, online jobs, healthcare, education, and information.
To realize these dreams, Ogena urged everyone in Koronadaleño, “While we lay the foundation for a more connected, efficient, and innovative city, we also need the participation and support of all our citizens, our businesses, and our communities. Let us be a shining example of persistent progress by making Koronadal the first green smart cityand tech hub in South Cotabato.”
Finally, Ogena concluded his speech by expressing his gratitude and appreciation to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, headed by its Vice Mayor Erlinda P. Araquil, for enacting milestone ordinances, particularly the two ordinances, the BPSEP Ordinance and the ISKO ng Koronadal-Kabugwason Paglaum Program Ordinance, which he believes have the biggest impacts on the lives of their constituents.
He also recognized Koronadal’s past and present leaders, as well as all those who worked hard and dedicated their lives to ensure the city’s future.
“Our acceleration to progress and development is unstoppable. Tuloy tuloy tayo hanggang makamit natin ang lahat ng ito. I want my successors to proudly continue the legacy I will leave behind and carry on the vision of empowering this small city with big dreams; isang siyudad na kayang ipagmalaki ng bawat Koronadaleño”, Ogena said in closing.
