Sen. Angara lauds GenSan’s poverty reduction thrust

By Michelle Ann Gonzales

GENERAL SANTOS CITY  (05 April  2014) - Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara lauded City Mayor Ronnel Rivera’s thrust of poverty reduction through  women empowerment during the Women’s Month Culmination Wednesday (April 02) at the Oval Gymnasium.

“Women nowadays have shown an exemplary performance in leadership and various decision makings. This shows that we are beginning to recognize that women are full and equal partners of men in development and nation building. If we continue this, we can improve the condition of our city,” Senator Angara said in his speech.

The senator specifically cited Mayor Rivera’s direction to reduce the poverty rate through intensifying gender and development initiatives. This is anchored on Rivera’s banner program CLEAN GenSan which means “Creating a Liveable Environment for All Generals towards Nation building in GenSan.”

CLEAN GenSan recognizes women and children as the most vulnerable sector of the society who must be empowered and protected by giving them quality government services in health, education and social services.

Mayor Rivera for his part encouraged local undertakings to continually adhere to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) which aims “to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women, as effective ways to combat poverty, hunger and disease and to stimulate development that is truly sustainable.” (GENSAN CPIO/Michelle Ann Gonzales)

Mayor Rivera swears in purok officials

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) - Purok officials of the 23 puroks of Barangay San Jose take oath before City Mayor Ronnel Rivera on March 19  at San Jose Elementary School. Mayor Rivera posed the challenges that these officials have to take as leaders. Along with that, Rivera assured them the support of the city government especially on projects for education, health and modified social services which are prioritized in the "CLEAN GenSan" (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-building) platform of the mayor. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

GenSan's first lady face of Women's Day Celebration

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (12 March 2014)  – With her undeniable grace, charm and warm smile, General Santos City’s very own first lady Jane Gollon-Rivera led the city government in the celebration of the International Women's Day.

She is also chairperson of the GenSan Tourism Council which spearheaded the Paskuhan sa Gensan 2013, Tuna Festival 2013, the recent Kalilangan 2014 and many more.

In her speech on March 8, she highlighted the value of addressing timely issues regarding women's empowerment and the roles they should take as equal members of the society.

Ma’am Jane or Ms Jane as she is affectionately called also condemned the ill cases of women's abuse, women's trafficking, and the conventional perception of women as "only second to men."

She also encouraged the participating women from different sectors, organizations and barangays in the city to take a stand against issues concerning women’s rights since it is only through the collective effort of every woman that these concerns are solved.

"As a woman, we have to do more. And there is nothing wrong with it. It is natural for us to do these, because together, we can do it,” Gollon - Rivera stressed.

The theme for this year's celebration of women's day is "Inspiring Change" to encourage advocacy for women's advancement and to address the challenge of inspiring positive change to the status quo of women's equality and vigilance.

During the event, Ms Jane, City Councilor Shandee Llido Pestano and City Population and Management Office acting head Erline Grafilo recognized outstanding women who are doing traditional men's job.

One of them is Hilda Tianchon, 49 years old and a resident of barangay Baluan, who currently works as a forklift and steamroller or pison driver.

"I entered in the job simply because I want to fend for my two children and I am proud that I can do what men can do. I am not ashamed of it," Tianchon said.

Women also celebrated the International Women's Day in the city with free haircut services, family counseling and free health services (i.e. diabetes screening, pap smear, ultrasound) which are generally exclusive for women only. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John M. Lagare)

Goldenstate College, City Hall conduct jobs fair

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (10 March 2014)  - Thousands of jobseekers flooded the KCC Convention Center on Friday (March 07) for the 8th Annual Jobs Fair organized by Goldenstate College Inc. in partnership with the city government and other government agencies. 

According to Josie Yap-Tirador, Goldenstate College Inc. president, there were 76 private companies who participated in the jobs fair this year offering various job opportunities.

She added that she is thankful to City Mayor Ronnel Rivera in his effort to attract more investors to come into the city by creating a healthy business atmosphere.

Mayor Rivera came to the jobs fair to discuss to the jobseekers and other stakeholders the direction of the current administration is taking to mitigate the unemployment rate and other economic concerns as a whole.

In the "CLEAN GenSan" (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation building) platform, Mayor Rivera said that one of his aims is to help the city's economy through various non-traditional means such as the amendment of GenSan's investment code, involvement in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and linkage with various business and economic stakeholders in the city. 

Rivera also bared that in the coming ASEAN Integration in 2015, he would showcase GenSan as an economic and strategic entry point in the south.

Tirador explained that the jobs fair is an exercise of accountability to address the unemployment problem of the country.

A survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) had found out that as of February 2014, the unemployment rate of the country has risen to 27.5% or 12.1 million.

Tirador said that in GenSan alone, there are an estimated 7,000 fresh college graduates every year and their employment is a looming issue being addressed with the help of government agencies, non-government organizations and private companies.

 Tirador said the influx of new investors can generate more jobs, filling up the gaps of unemployment. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John M. Lagare)

Mayor Rivera joins BIR's tax campaign

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (28 February 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera signified the city government’s support to the Bureau of Internal Revenue's (BIR) 2014 Tax Campaign Kick-Off on February 24 at Phela Grande Convention Center,.

Represented by Dave Areglado, City Hall Executive Assistant for Investments and Tourism, Mayor Rivera shared his intentions regarding the importance of responsible tax payment.

Areglado said that the city mayor reminded everyone that tax payments should be met on time and responsibly as it is the major revenue source of government.

According to Areglado, the city mayor is committed on calling on the constituents of the city to become responsible taxpayers as part of his flagship program CLEAN GenSan (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-building). 

CLEAN GenSan as Rivera indicated, is an initiative that is anchored on good governance, economic diversity and synergy which can ensue productive citizenship ready to conform in government-based policies.

In relation to that, data given by Sumael Abad, head of the Taxpayer's Assistance Unit of BIR showed the tax collection of BIR Region 12 has exceeded the 2012 target by 16%. GenSan played a crucial role in that achievement.

This year, the city government will move forward towards a healthy revenue contribution to help the BIR according to Mayor Rivera.

Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao was also present during the event.

"You give what is due to the BIR. Because when you give what is due to BIR, you are giving what is due to your government. And when you give what is due to your government, you are giving what is due to the Philippines," Pacquaio said.

Shortly after their messages, key officials of the BIR such as Deputy Commissioner Atty. Nelson Aspe from the Operations Group-BIR National Office together with local government executives signed a memorandum of agreement supporting the tax campaign.

The BIR tax campaign has the theme “I Love The Philippines, I Pay My Taxes Right. It's As Easy As Register, File & Pay."

It is a Public Awareness Campaign (PAC) reform program initiated by Commissioner of Internal Revenue (CIR) Kim Jacinto-Henares to promote the importance of paying due taxes. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John M. Lagare)

Early childhood care and development one of City Hall’s top agenda

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (25 February 2014) - City Administrator Atty. Arnel Zapatos meets with representatives of Department of Education - GenSan and City Social Welfare and Development Office Monday, February 24, in an inter-agency orientation of Alay sa Kabataang Generals Lahat ng Alaga at Talino: Early Childhood Care and Development Initiative (AKLAT:ECCDI). As the city administrator declared, the AKLAT:ECCDI is an initiative by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera in a challenge to make children 3 to 5 years old able to read before they will enter primary education. Also, Zapatos divulged that in the coming months, the AKLAT office will launch the "Community Teach" that would engage teachers and parents in mentoring and feeding program in day care centers. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)

Kalilangan 2014 highlights culture, milestone and success of GenSan

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (24 February 2014) - Kalilangan 2014 opened with an elaborate musical production number depicting the city’s milestones and colorful fireworks making the event widely considered a success.

The opening program did not only aim to exhibit General Santos City's transition of culture but it also served as the stage to highlight the changes under the new administration.

In the night of Kalilangan's opening Friday (February 21), City Mayor Ronnel Rivera took the opportunity to relay to everyone, especially the foreign dignitaries and business community representatives present, the leap that the city government has made in bringing public service closer to the constituents of the city.

Mayor Rivera opened his speech by imposing that throughout the revelry he wants a "CLEAN GenSan" not only through the surroundings but also in the conduct and celebration of the residents.

Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation building or commonly known as "CLEAN GenSan" is the flagship program of Mayor Rivera that advocates the improvements focused in education, health and modified social services.

According to Rivera, "CLEAN GenSan" started on education, upon welcoming the University of Sto. Tomas in General Santos City.

Then with the help of City Social Welfare and Development Office, the AKLAT (Alay sa Kabataang Generals Lahat ng Alaga at Talino) office and AKLAT-ECCDI (Alay sa Kabataang Generals Lahat ng Alaga at Talino-Early Childhood Care Development Initiative) have been launched to prepare the children to formal education. 

On other areas, Rivera gave merits on the success of the City Engineers' Office together with the Department of Public Works and Highways on the illumination of primary and secondary lines of the city through the implementation of LED based streetlight, which costs around P100 million.

The City Housing and Land Management Office and City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) have also started "land banking", to which the city government is eyeing available land pieces for resettlements and relocation sites.

In Bawing, a land area waived by the Yalen Clan in favor of the local government of General Santos City is the first crop of the said land banking.

The revision of the city's Comprehensive Land Use Plan is also one of the pipeline goals of CPDO this year.

Things that have never been addressed in the past and achievements have earned respect for Rivera’s "troubleshooting" skills.

Mayor Rivera disclosed that General Santos City District Hospital has undergone a systems and financial audit to sort out the real causes of problems that have stifled the hospital for years.

Through the help of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), Rivera said that the overdue problems in the transport sector will slowly be given light.

As a start, the city mayor informed that there are already 690 tricycle franchises distributed to tricycle drivers and operators to lessen the number of illegal tricycles plying around and within the city.

Rivera did not also forget to address the peace and order issues in GenSan.

He ordered General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) PSSupt. Froilan Quidilla and Joint Task Force GenSan Col. Rolando Bautista to give him "peace and order solutions" and he will help them in achieving it.

Prior to ending his speech, Rivera said that Kalilangan is a celebration of GenSan's progress and without the aforementioned improvements, Kalilangan 2014 will not be possible.

A grandiose fireworks display punctuated the night’s presentation. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John M. Lagare)

4,000 GenSan indigents receive education, health subsidy

By Michelle Ann Gonzales

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (24 February 2014) - Some 4,000 indigents of General Santos City benefit from the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) of Department of Social Welfare and Development in partnership with the city government.  

The MCCT program aims to assist the identified poor families from the 26 barangays of GenSan by providing them educational and health allowance.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera encouraged families to utilize the money well making sure they will send their children to school.

Through the MCCT, beneficiaries are entitled to receive a monthly cash amount of P300 educational grant per child and P500 health grant per family.

One of the beneficiaries Maria Teresea Andales, 46, from Barangay Tambler was happy upon receiving the cash grant during the pay-out schedule at Barangay Bula Gymnasium Saturday (February 22).

“Dakong tabang gyud ang MCCT sa among pamilya labi na unom ka buok akong anak, nagapasalamat gyud ko sa DSWD ug kay Mayor Rivera sa pagtagad sa mga nanginahanglan. (MCCT is a huge help to our family especially that I have six children, I thank the DSWD and Mayor Rivera for regarding the needy),” Andales said.

The MCCT is a prototype of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the country’s Conditional Cash Transfer program.

Elviva Capote, MCCT coordinator of the city government, said the program assists families with special needs to overcome their present difficult situation through educational and health cash grant provision.

“I believe that this money will assist every family. Together with the DSWD and local government, we will do our best to send every child to school and to facilitate every family’s health care needs,” Mayor Rivera said in his speech.

Education, health and modified social services are the three major priorities in Mayor Rivera’s CLEAN GenSan flagship program. CLEAN means Creating a Livable Environment for All in GenSan towards Nation-building.

In Rivera’s CLEAN GenSan education agenda, he reiterated his goal to enhance the Early Childhood Care Development Centers in the 26 barangays of the city. A division under the City Mayor’s Office called AKLAT was already formed to formulate an action plan for the development and interventions together with appropriate City Hall departments.

Meanwhile, the mayor’s health agenda focuses on health accessibility. Hence the program Tulong Alay sa Mamayan, Bilisang Alaga sa Nangangailangan sa GenSan (TAMBAL) was created in pursuit of augmenting health care needs among the destitute population of the city.

With the mentioned programs and initiatives designed to maximize the people’s potential and with the national agencies support, Mayor Rivera is confident that families would have better living condition.

“However, if we keep on assisting you without you doing your part in participating well to these programs, we cannot take any leap from here,” Mayor Rivera also told the beneficiaries.

According to Capote, cash grants will be given provided that MCCT beneficiaries comply with the conditionality.

One of these is a weekly attendance to Family Development Sessions (FDS) for the first two months and once a month attendance to FDS for the succeeding months. Children must also attend an alternative mode of learning or formal schools, and visit health centers.

Likewise, the family must reside in a permanent home after six months of social preparation. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/ Michelle Ann Gonzales)

4,000 GenSan indigents receive education, health subsidy

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 February 2014) - Some 4,000 indigents of General Santos City benefit from the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) of Department of Social Welfare and Development in partnership with the city government Saturday, February 22. The MCCT program aims to assist the identified poor families from the 26 barangays of GenSan by providing them educational and health allowance. City Mayor Ronnel Rivera (foreground) encouraged families to utilize the money well making sure they will send their children to school. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)

GenSan mayor envisions city to be more than Tuna Capital

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 February 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has reiterated his goal to make General Santos City as more than just the Tuna Capital of the country.

During the 3rd batch of Barangay New Elected Officials (BNEO) Orientation and Training by the Department of Interior and Local Government recently, Rivera said "we should go beyond becoming just the Tuna Capital of the Philippines."

According to the mayor, based on the Pre-Feasibility Study on the Integrated Economic Development for Regional Trade in General Santos City  conducted by the Cities Development Initiative for Asia (CDIA), GenSan is the fastest growing metropolitan area in Region 12.

CDIA assessed that GenSan has become a major trading area for agricultural products from other provinces of the region.

Mayor Rivera added that his economic agenda focuses on how to make more businesses thrive in the city, thereby promoting diversity and preparing the seedbed for making the city as the Agro-Industrial Hub of the South.

"In order to prepare the city for economic diversity, we will have to update our comprehensive land use plan, investment code, local policies on land and mass transport related concerns, preparation of the city transport master plan, and environmental management plan," Rivera said.

To push for the realization of the city’s economic agenda, the mayor directed the institutionalization of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the city where private investors will join government in different ventures and initiatives.

Under his major PPP initiatives are the development of food and transportation terminals, agri-plantation, realty, socialized housing, trade and industry and fishing, including projects on environmental and climate change adaptation.

"If we improved on these areas, we can better maximize the opportunity of the growing number of tourist arrivals in the region," Mayor Rivera said.

Nelly Nita Dillera, Department of Tourism regional director, said on Friday that tourist arrivals in SOCKSARGEN have increased by 18 percent. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John Lagare)

Mayor to PO on transport: Get PhilHealth, SSS

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 February 2014) - Weeks after the distribution of almost 700 tricycle franchises, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera recently led the oath taking of newly elected officers of the General Santos City Federation of Tricycle Operators Drivers Association (GSCFTODA).

GSCFTODA officers took their oath of office as part of their move to legitimize their representation as a people's organization (PO) on February 21 at the City Mayor's Office and in the presence of Business Permits and License Division head Geraldine Zamora,.

The GSCFTODA officers are Raylen Pabriga (president), Josue Fernandez (vice president), Federico Pacsuguiron Jr. (secretary), Democrito Guiran (treasurer), Wilson Jordan (auditor), George Campos (business manager) and Eddie Garciano (PIO).

After the oath taking, Mayor Rivera said that the GSCFTODA needs clear goals and defined objectives now that the association has a clear set of leaders.

Rivera likened them to the people's organization Family Resource Allocation Management and Enhancement (FRAME) Savers which was started last 2003 and now has grown into a dynamic group of ordinary citizens with significant financial investments.

The mayor also advised the GSCFTODA officers to push for the accreditation of their organization to so that they can have PhilHealth coverage and Social Security System benefits for their members; and ultimately to empower the other stakeholders in the transportation sector.

Mayor Rivera said the local government alone cannot solve the transportation problem of the city and he needs the help of organized transport groups like the GSCFTODA.

"The LGU-GSC needs the cooperation of all the plying drivers in the city to address the problem in our transportation. Either that or all our plans are useless," Rivera said.

As of the moment, a technical team from the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) is working hand-in-hand with the city government in creating a master plan for the city's transport system. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John M. Lagare)

Trained FRAME Savers get cash incentives

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (21 February 2014) – Some 932 members of Family Resource Allocation Management and Enhancement (FRAME) Savers who participated in the week-long Social-Economic Transformation Group Leaders and Treasurers (SET-G) Leadership and Disaster Preparedness Training receive their two-day cash-for-work allowance from the City Social Welfare and Development Office Thursday, February 20. City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Rep. Pedro Acharon handed the incentives to the elated FRAME Savers. Rivera emphasized to the FRAME Savers that diligence and thrift are values that should be inculcated in order to empower the people to break the cycle of poverty. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)

SSS for FRAME Savers pushed by Mayor Rivera

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (21 February 2014) - As of Thursday, February 20, members of Family Resource Allocation Management and Enhancement (FRAME) Savers are now officially eligible to be enrolled with Social Security System as pushed through by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera. Rivera disclosed to some 932 participants of the Social-Economic Transformation Group Leaders and Treasurers (SET-G) Leadership and Disaster Preparedness Training organized by the City Social Welfare and Development Office that in his administration, the bolstering of people empowerment and people's participation in civic activities are highly prioritized. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)

250 patients benefit from free surgery

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (19 February 2014) – As many as 250 indigent patients from General Santos City and Sarangani Province with major surgical cases have been able to avail of free operations from the World Surgical Foundation (WSF).

The surgical mission is being conducted at General Santos City Hospital beginning February 17 and would last until the 21st.

Christian Mark Era, an 8-year old boy from Barangay Fatima suffering from hernia, was one of the beneficiaries.  His mother May Era was very thankful after the free procedure to his son.

“I thank the doctors and the people behind the World Surgical Foundation for doing free surgical operation to the needy like us. My son has been suffering from hernia about a year now, we weren’t able to send him for operation because it will cost about P70, 000,” the mother said in an interview.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera committed his and the local government unit’s full support to the project seeing that health accessibility is one of the areas of focus of his CLEAN GenSan Health Agenda. CLEAN stands for Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-Building.

The mayor added that during the foundation’s visit last year he had already expressed the need of people from GenSan and neighboring towns for free surgical operations, especially those constituents needing major procedures.

Subsequently, a contingent of volunteer surgeons, nurses and staff support led by Dr. Domingo Alvear, president and founder of WSF, and Nancy Cohen, executive director, arrived and started the patients’ screening on February 16.

Eight OR Stations were arranged to support the mission.

Most of the surgeries they’re performing are in the areas of ENT, pediatrics, plastics, urology, maxillofacial and OB/GYN.

Forty cases were successfully completed on the first day alone with Dr. Alvear personally conducting the eight of them.

“So far, the whole operation is going on smoothly. I appreciate everybody’s cooperation especially the local doctors and nurses. The coordination is also good that’s why we were able to start earlier compared to the other missions where we start at nine or ten in the morning,” Alvear said.

WSF has been traveling to the Philippines for over 15 years providing medical aid. After completing this mission, Dr. Alvear will travel to Cebu City to do a third annual WSF Pull-through Mission.

General Santos City Grand Surgical Mission is one of the largest operations of the foundation. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Michelle Ann Gonzales)

Mayor Rivera directs new barangay officials to make CLEAN GenSan priority

GENERAL SANTOS CITY(12 February 2014)  – Mayor Ronnel Rivera has directed the Barangay Newly Elected Officials (BNEOs) to make CLEAN GenSan program their priority being the direction that the local government of General Santos City is taking under his administration.

During the BNEOs Orientation and Training by the Department of Interior and Local Government 12 on February 07 in Koranadal, South Cotabato, Rivera reiterated his administration’s thrust to strive for a CLEAN GenSan or (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation Building).

Mayor Rivera gave a lecture for the BNEOs regarding the priority projects that they must pursue in their respective barangays, which must focus on education, health and modified social services.

Rivera stated that for the projects of the BNEOs to receive support from the city government, they must align it with the CLEAN GenSan program which was consolidated and budgeted in the recent Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA).

“The local government can’t simply fund any of your projects that have no budget in the ELA in the first place. As new leaders, we must be resourceful in implementing our projects that are both efficient and that would also benefit our constituents,” Rivera said.

He also said that through the examples he set, the synergy between the barangay officials and the local government of General Santos City will be strengthened and practiced.

This received approval and salutations from the newly elected barangay officials who have long acknowledged the limitations of the city government’s budget.

In the 2014 ELA, most of the budgeted programs are focused and or related to the priority areas stated in the CLEAN GenSan agenda of Mayor Rivera.

To address the insufficiency of resources of the local government, the mayor pushed for the institutionalization of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the city where private investors will join government ventures and initiatives.

Along with that, last February 06, Rivera mandated the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO) to create the PPP Center and PPP Code with the assistance of the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPPCP).

At the end of his lecture, Rivera emphasized to the BNEOs that inadequacies must not be seen as hindrance but challenges that need to be overcome. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John M. Lagare)

Mayor Rivera directs new barangay officials to make CLEAN GenSan priority

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (11 February 2014) - During a three-day orientation and training for Barangay Newly Elected Officials (BNEOs) by the Department of Interior and Local Government Region 12 on Friday, February 07, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera stated the direction and priority programs of his administration. Under the "CLEAN GenSan" (Creating a Livable Environment for All towards Nation Building), Rivera directed the BNEOs to prioritize programs on education, health and modified social services. The city mayor also answered the queries per barangay, most of them commonly concerning the illumination of streets and road construction. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)

Tricycle franchise released to operators, drivers

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (06 February 2014)  – Staying true to his words during the election campaign, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera recently approved 934 tricycle franchises with the supervision of the Land Transportation Office (LTO-GenSan), Land Transportation Office - 12, (LTO 12) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

On Wednesday (February 05), at the Oval Gymnasium, Mayor Rivera together with LTO- 12 Assistant Regional Director Manuel Betaizar, LTO-RO XII Chief Operation Division Head Rasid Romaob, LTO - Gensan Director Ishmael Almanza, City Mayor’s Office Business Permits and Licensing Division (CMO-BLPD) head Geraldine Zamora, and City Councilor Dominador Lagare III initially distributed 690 to qualified tricycle operators and drivers.

Aladino Bancali, a tricycle operator from Barangay Labangal echoed the sentiments of drivers and operators in the city who have been waiting for their franchise for a while now.

“September 2013 pa nako ni gi-applyan, naa na gyud sakong kamot,” Bancali exclaimed.

Bancali also commended the city mayor for finally releasing the franchise.

“Abi nako di tumanon ni Mayor Rivera ang iyang promise. Pero gihatag gyud niya ang mga prangkisa,” Bancali said.

All tricycle-for-hire applying for a Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Permit (MTOP) or “franchise” in GenSan must present the following requirements: proof of Filipino citizenship, certificate of registration from the LTO, sketched location of garage or residence and income tax return.

They are also required to adhere to the traffic rules of the city.

SP Ordinance No. 5, Series of 2013, pursuant to the local government code of 1991 (R.A. 7160), also set the standards and guidelines for the franchising of tricycle-for-hire in the city.

LTO GenSan Director Almanza also said that Mayor Rivera has ordered them to prioritize operators and drivers from General Santos City.

“It is one of the reasons why we defer some applications for MTOP because in the first place, they are not really from the city. They are from the neighboring areas of GenSan and are just making the city one of their travel routes,” Almanza said.

Mayor Rivera also bared that the city council “Ordinance No. 6 Series of 2013” established the color and size for all tricycle-for-hire in the city.

As stated in the ordinance, powder-blue will be the “official” color of all tricycles routing in GenSan.

Rivera also said that the city government is currently teaming up with the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) to create a schematic and comprehensive transportation plan in the city.

“All these and other future plans are to make sure that GenSan will have a smooth traffic system for the safety and convenience of the city,” Mayor Rivera said. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John Lagare)

Rivera pushes for more PPP projects

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (06 February 2014) – The Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPPCP), a national agency under National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and City Mayor Ronnel Rivera are looking at ways to expand the capacity of the city to create viable PPP projects.  

Under Resolution No. 536, Series of 2013, Mayor Rivera was authorized by the Sangguniang Panlungsod to enter into an internship agreement with the PPPCP for the implementation of an integrated economic development for regional trade in General Santos City.

Mayor Rivera also ordered executives of the City Planning and Development Office, City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office, City Engineer’s Office and City Administrator’s Office to meet with representatives of the PPPCP headed by Director IV Eli Ricote and consultant Atty. Evelyn Jiz to address the creation of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code.

In their discussion last Tuesday (February 04) they have requested Mayor Rivera to issue an executive order for them to start the formal conceptualization of the PPP Code.

It was suggested by the PPPCP for the city government to form a technical working group (TWG) that will be trained by the PPPCP to assist and supervise any plausible investors that are interested to partake in a joint venture with the local government.

Aside from that, the TWG will also receive training in doing financial models, market sounding, technical and engineering analysis, and market feasibility studies upon the finalization of the PPP Code.

Currently, both of the PPPC and the local government of General Santos City target more PPP projects for the improvement of the GenSan Public Market and of the food and transport infrastructures.

Atty. Jiz commended Mayor Rivera for promoting PPPs to implement government plans for economic development.

“It is a good thing Mayor Rivera acknowledged that the local government of General Santos City has to be resourceful in establishing its projects. With the help from the private sector, Rivera is much closer in accomplishing his vision,” Jiz stated. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John M. Lagare)

Barangayan serves village’s needs

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (31 January 2014) - A synergized team of City Hall department heads takes charge on responding to queries of local leaders of Barangay Batomelong during the "Barangayan" held Thursday, January 30. With the leadership of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, most of the needs that were brought out by the village leaders were met including the electrification of certain puroks and the repair of water system of the barangay. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)

Children and elderly get free health check-up in Barangayan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (31 January 2014) - The "Barangayan" program of the city government resumes again this year at the far flung barangay of Batomelong Thursday, January 30. The Barangayan is an initiative of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera to bring the government services closer and more convenient to the constituents of the city especially those who live in the peripheries. One of the services being flocked by the people of Batomelong is the free health check-up which benefit children and elderly alike. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)