SP Grants Legislative Authority to Chief Executive, expedites Barangay Electrification Program
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Koronadal has approved a resolution granting legislative authority to the City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement to be entered between the City Government of Koronadal, Socoteco I, Socoteco I Foundation, Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, and Bureau of Fire Protection for the Barangay Electrification Program.
In its recent regular session, the author, City Councilor Rey P. Rodriguez, passed the measure in response to the chief executive’s request for legislative authority to carry out the latter’s commitment to provide electricity to far-flung communities in Koronadal.
Initially, the city government has formulated “The Barangay Electrification Program” which provides free installation of electric meters, including other fees, in 27 barangays. This initiative aims to give opportunities for a quality of life, greater access to basic services, and better infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
The city’s electrification program is under the Barangay Development Program. It has an allocation of one million pesos (P1,000,000.00) for the first one hundred (100) qualified indigent residents of the city to avail of the free installation of electric meters and other fees. However, the qualified beneficiary will be the responsible to shoulder the monthly consumption.
The implementing agencies composed of Barangay Development Program, City Social Welfare Development Office, Community Affairs Office, Office of the Building Official, and the concerned local government units must provide the applicants with the necessary requirements to qualify as indigent city residents.
Pursuant to Section 455(b)(1)(vi) of the Local Government Code of 1991, the city mayor may enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) upon the authority of the sanggunian. The MOA is essential as this will ensure that each party fulfills its duties and responsibilities in the programs. However, the date of the MOA signing by the parties is yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, the members of the council further agreed that a separate legislative measure would be legislated to ensure the effective implementation of the said program.