‘No political color in helping poor’

In his first State of the City Address (SOCA), Talisay City Mayor Johnny delos Reyes said his administration pursued programs for the poor in partnership with the City Council regardless of political color.

“My help knows no political color. I am in an agreement with God,” said de los Reyes in his speech that was met with some applause and laughter from the audience at the City Council session hall.
Reyes said cited a P1 million legislative assistance fund allocated to each city councilor.

“This is for the benefit of every Talisaynon. I hope you (councilors) used it well,” he told the council.

He said 1,250 indigent families benefited under the PhilHealth program while 1,064 individuals were able to avail of the city government’s medical assistance.

Increase

Delos Reyes listed his administration’s achievements which include the indigent pharmacy project and the Stream Lights Program which is aimed at installing lighting to the homes of indigent families.

He also mentioned infrastructure projects like footpaths and pathways in 20 barangays, new waterworks systems, road concreting and the installation of 60 deep wells in various barangays.

Delos Reyes said under his administration, crime volume went down from 363 cases from January to June last year to 231 cases in the same period this year.

He also said the Talisay City government raised its income to P172.5 million last year compared to P147.9 million in 2012 due to the increase in revenue from business and mayor’s permits.

The mayor said he ordered department heads to cut down on red tape to expedite processing of papers and transactions.

Delos Reyes said he wants to build an international fishport in Talisay City and to establish the city as a tourist haven.

In his speech, delos Reyes said his humble beginnings led him to God and commit to a life of service to the poor.

The first-time mayor said he will continue to serve the poor even after he steps down as mayor.

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