DURING his first 100 days report in his second term that started last June, Mayor Jayfrancis Bago of Opol, Misamis Oriental introduced a strategic framework for the next 25 years.
Speaking October 27 at Taboc gym, Bago said the framework consists of five pillars anchored in core values and financial sustainability.
Bago identified the five pillars as social services and human development, economic development, infrastructure, environment and institutional aspects.
For social services, Bago said that the Kabaya app will be available soon for all Opolanons. All inquiries and gateway to various LGU services will be catered through the app.
Other inclusions under social services are the ongoing construction of a state of the art incident command center, more digital interventions for its public schools from early childhood to the Opol Community College and its health care facilities.
For the latter, Bago reported that a dialysis center offering free services will soon rise in the town.
For economic concerns, the municipal government will be partnering with the Department of Agriculture and DTI for AGROW Opol, an ambituous all-encompassing supply chain support.
Meanwhile, the infrastructure pillar consists of a sustainable and climate-responsive development planning, smart eco buildings, participatory planning in barangay infra priorities and strict implementation of the Opol market code.
With the public market situated beside Calinob creek, Bago unveiled a plan to transform the creekside into a cafe-style boulevard that would connect it to the existing boardwalk all the way to Prawn House.
For starters, a trash trap is now installed at Calinob creek.
Along this line and to the applause of the Opolanons, Bago announced that the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has already approved funding P100 million for the renovation of Opol’s iconic boardwalk.
The mayor said this is in preparation for the transformation of nearby Laguindingan airport in accommodating international flights, creating an influx of businesses and tourists here.
For the environment pillar, Bago said he would strengthen more the municipality’s solid waste management program, comprehensive land use plan and watershed protection and wastewater facility.
Lastly for institutional strategies, Bago is looking forward to more participatory planning and budgeting emphasizing both barangay-based and sectoral-based initiatives.
That includes building a transparent data and performance management framework as well as an accountability system in public service ethics and performance.
The so-called Bag-ong Opol 25-year framework is people-centric based on inclusivity and environment-friendly connectivity where innovation meets sustainability in execution.
Opol has a population of 70,000 residents.
