Buldon mayor delivers 2nd SOMA

Mayor Abolais A. Manalao

BULDON, Maguindanao - Mayor Abolais A. Manalao shared among his constituency the municipal government’s year-long feats as these efforts have been compensated  following receipt  of performance awards from the national and regional governments.

He also asserted the municipal government’s resolve to sustain its pursuit for a peaceful and secured community through programs and approaches  related to anti-crime drive and conflict-resolution.

This he boasted during his 2nd State of the Municipal Address before local government officials and personnel, representatives  of other government  agencies and security forces, and town folks last April 17 at the municipal gymnasium.

Mayor Manalao cited his administration’s accomplishments into four clustered categories: administrative, social, environment management, and infrastructure services.

“Through these four-clustered projects of this municipality, Buldon received the  Good Governance and Sound Fiscal Management Awards from the national government,” said Manalao.

From 2015 to 2017, Manalao said his administration facilitated  the occupancy of some 67 plantilla positions to improve administrative and delivery of public services with the support of  the Sangunian Bayan.

“These officials and employees --- accounting to 129 - keep pace with our development efforts through their designated positions and functions. Without them, we could hardly improve and move toward development initiatives. That is why I am very thankful to them through the help of Vice Mayor Atty. Cairoden Pangunutan,” he said.

He credited the contribution and coordination of his vice mayor in the organization of the Municipal Peace and Order Council, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, Municipal School Board, Municipal Nutrition Council, Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council, Municipal Tourism Culture and Arts Council, Municipal Council for the Protection of Children, Integrated Solid Waste Management Board, Office of Senior Citizens’ Affairs, and Pre-Bidding and Awards Committee.

Also created is the Municipal Alternative Dispute Resolution Team tasked to mediate in family or clan disputes within the municipality.

He thanked the role of some non-government organizations such as the World Food Programme and other agencies for their contribution in aid of legislation by the Sanggunian Bayan, citing the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Municipal Zoning Ordinance, Revised Municipal Revenue Code of 2017, and DRMM plan.

For the fiscal year, the Buldon local government established its  Full Disclosure Policy  Portal   to give teeth to the government’s transparency policy through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) website.

Without citing figures, Mayor Manalao said the municipal government has improved its tax revenue collection and fiscal management during his term, citing feats being a recipient of the Seal of Good Local Governance Award from the DILG through Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the consequent rise as a 4th class municipality.

On peace and order services, the mayor said the municipal  government signed  a covenant with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for the institutionalization of a mechanism in settling family disputes and other disorders.

To address terrorism, criminality, and illegal drug activities, he said the LGU immediately responded to the organization of the Barangay Anti-Drug Advisory Council in the 15 barangays in coordination with the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and other concerned citizens and line- agencies.

Under the “Balik-Baril” Program, the LGU facilitated the surrender of a number of  illegal high-powered firearms, hence, was recognized  as “Passer in  Peace and Order “ for the years 2015 and 2016 as a result of their relentless peace and order, anti-criminality, and anti-terrorism campaign..

The mayor added that his administration has further activated  its package of support services  for the economic, agricultural,  and educational uplift of the concerned sectors.

On environment services, the local government has approved the Municipal Integrated Solid Waste Management Ordinance of 2015 resulting to the construction of  the Material Recovery Facility   and Waste Segregation Facility. Also planted were bamboo seedlings along the Ambal River and other assorted tree plants within the area of Buldon.

Among the infrastructure completed, the mayor said, are the concreting of Buldon–Parang Road, Karim-Minabay Road and Buldon-Pigcawayan Road Phase II; repair of Salam Bridge in Simuay; construction of a concrete bridge in Nuyo; construction of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – HELPS projects composed of barangay hall, covered court, and multi-purpose building; construction of school fences; construction of water supply; and construction of line-canal and crossing markers, among others.

“For those accomplishments in my governance, I proudly thank  Allah in giving me the strength and power to help my people in Buldon, uplift their living condition, eradicate  criminalities and terrorism, and protect my people against disasters and calamities. I am also very thankful to the municipal vice mayor, employees, the military and PNP, and the entire constituents of Buldon for helping us for the good and betterment of our beloved municipality. We bind our hands together for the better and shining future of our children,” Mayor Manalao said. (Anne Acosta & Becky de Asis)