Local Governments Urged to Finalize Project Agreements, Disburse Remaining Aid Funds
Hey there! It's time to address some business with our soon-departing Governor, Gwendolyn Garcia. She's been cracking the whip for local government units (LGUs) to get their acts together before she rides off into the sunset!
Garcia wants LGUs to play their part in wrapping up ongoing provincial projects and settling financial assistance amid the transition to the new administration. You better get those memorandums of agreement (MOAs) ready for the solar lamp distribution, school armchair allocation, the Sugbo Maisan program, and financial aid liquidation!
Time's running out, because Garcia's reign ends at the end of June following her defeat by neophyte politician, Pamela Baricuatro, in the May 12 midterm polls. She's making these directives for the safety of the LGUs, as the incoming administration has been talking tough about accountability.
Garcia's flagship programs, Suroy Suroy Sugbo, Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, Sugbo Negosyo, and Sugbo Kahanas may not make it under the new leadership. Baricuatro has already announced the discontinuation of Suroy Suroy Sugbo and Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, and plans to review provincial finances and projects for transparency.
In the solar lamp distribution project, we are looking at over 26,000 solar-powered streetlights, complete with posts and some 10,000 pedestals, ready to go! However, the change in strategy has shifted the installation process from direct provincial installation to LGUs. This move was made to ensure the project continues under the new administration.
LGUs should get their documents in order, as outlined below:
- MOAs with the Provincial Government: LGUs must enter into an MOA for the delivery and installation of the solar lamps. Draft MOAs will be sent via email.
- Council Resolution: Mayors must secure a resolution from their municipal or city councils authorizing the signing of the MOA and requesting the solar lamps for installation "in the soonest possible time."
- Road Eligibility: Only paved, concrete roads with a minimum width of seven meters are eligible. Priority will be given to roads concreted by the Provincial Government.
- Inventory Submission: Barangay captains must submit an inventory of road sections targeted for solar lamp installation, with extended deadlines due to the transition period.
- Specifications: The lamps and posts must be installed according to provincial specifications. Two-inch diameter posts are specified for barangay roads, while three- or four-inch diameter posts are for provincial roads. The lamps themselves are 150-watt LED with 180-watt polycrystalline solar panels.
So, step up LGUs, it's game time! If you can't comply, the delivery and installation of the solar lamps will not be completed. And let's not forget the financial accountability — liquidate all financial assistance received from the Provincial Government since 2019 and settle all unpaid obligations for subsidized rice purchased at P20 per kilo from the National Government by June 15.
Hooray! That's all, folks! Time to buckle down and make this happen, because, in the end, it's all about getting the job done for the people of Cebu!
- Prior to the end of her term in June, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is urging Local Government Units (LGUs) in Cebu to finalize ongoing provincial projects and settle financial assistance to ensure a smooth transition to the new administration led by Pamela Baricuatro.
- In the wake of Garcia's defeat in the May 12 midterm elections, LGUs are being directed to prepare Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) for various programs, including the solar lamp distribution, school armchair allocation, the Sugbo Maisan program, and financial aid liquidation.
- In relation to the solar lamp distribution project, LGUs are required to enter into an MOA, secure a resolution from their councils, ensure eligible roads, submit an inventory of targeted installations, and adhere to provincial specifications for the installation of lamps and posts.
- As the incoming administration has emphasized accountability, LGUs in Cebu must also liquidate all financial assistance received from the Provincial Government since 2019 and settle all unpaid obligations for subsidized rice purchased at P20 per kilo from the National Government by June 15.
