MVF says LC is more progressive
RE-ELECTIONIST Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas scored those who have been saying the Laoag City is now lagging behind the two Ilocos Sur cities, Vigan and Candon, in terms of progress as he corrected the issue saying Laoag is still more progressive than the said cities. Fariñas apparently received the information after he was told that his political opponents have been saying this during their campaign rallies. “Let us remember that Laoag City has increased its annual budget for the past three years and this would simply prove that Laoag is progressing, aside from the many awards and distinctions [given to the city],” Fariñas said. Records coming the city’s public information office showed that the city government’s budget has been increasing since 2005, where the total budget was P276 million. In 2006 the budget increased to 327 million while in 2007 the annual budget decreased slightly to P322 million, but this was still higher than the 2005 level. Though the council-approved budget for 2007 is only P304 million, supplemental budgets to be enacted later would bring the total to P322 million. Vigan City, the capital of Ilocos Sur, on the other hand, which is a fifth class city had an annual budget of only P154 million for 2005; P167 million for 2006; and P188 million for 2007. Candon City, a third class city, meanwhile had an annual budget of P150 million for 2005; P156 million for 2006; and P176 million for 2007. Fariñas also reiterated that the city government has never failed in supporting provincial government initiatives contrary to claims by his political rivals. He dared his rivals to mention any provincial government program that the city government failed to support but he said they may not be able to find any since the Laoag City government has been cooperative and supportive of the Ilocos Norte government. Meanwhile, outgoing Laoag City Vice Mayor Marlon Wayne D. Manuel expressed surprise to the issues comparing Laoag to other Northern Luzon cities. According to Manuel, the people of Laoag would know best if the city is indeed lagging behind the two Ilocos Sur cities. Dominic B. dela Cruz
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