By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
PASIG CITY — Vice Mayor Robert “Dodot” Jaworski, Jr. on Friday (Jan. 12) disclosed that the local government of Pasig City now has a fund of Php17 billion to find solutions to address the problems of Pasiguenos.
Jaworski made the disclosure during the launching of the Talakayan sa Barangay, which is a project of the Office of the Vice Mayor and the 11th City Council, on Friday (Jan. 12) in this city.
Pasig City Vice Mayor Robert “Dodot” Jaworski, Jr., the Presiding Officer of the 11th City Council, together with the City Councilors, graced the occasion at the Multipurpose Court of Barangay San Miguel.
Gaano kahalaga ang Talakayan sa Barangay was discussed during the event.
Councilor Buboy Agustin urged Pasiguenos to actively participate in the Talakayan in order to take up their respective problems and find solutions to address them.
Councilors Cory Raymundo, Angelu De Leon. Marlou Martirez, and Zander Asilo, and San Miguel Barangay Chairman Manny Alba were present.
Alba noted that their Barangay was chosen by Vice Mayor Jaworski as the pilot area of the Talakayan that would deliberate the issues and concerns of their Barangay.
SK Federation Chairperson KC also asked Pasiguenos to bring up their concerns during the Talakayan so that they will be taken into consideration by the concerned officials.
“Talakayan” is a pivotal community engagement initiative aimed at fostering inclusive governance and direct citizen participation in Pasig City’s development.
“Our goal is not just conversation but tangible action. Talakayan seeks to foster collaborative problem-solving, forging partnerships between residents and the LGU to address community challenges effectively,” Jaworski said.
Jaworski said the Talakayan sa Barangay was their campaign promise and it has now come into reality.
He added that what they are doing now will just make the local government closer to the people.
The Vice Mayor stressed that corruption is now a thing of the past and that the people’s money were spent to basic public services such as education, health and sanitation.
Among others, the City Council, Jaworski said they have institutionalized the Educational Program, the Pasig City Pag-asa Scholarship Program with 100 percent free education to student scholars of Pasig.
Likewise, the streetlighting program with the installation of solar lamps, the problem on peace and order such as in the parking areas for the growing number of motor vehicles in the city.
On the problem of drugs, the drug users, the drug pushers, Jaworski said, they are being dealt with properly, through the City Police and the Anti-Drug Abuse Council.
The problem on dogs, Jaworski said, specifically on its excreta, should be the responsibility of every Pasigueno, adding that, if they can do it, everyone can also do it.
He noted that the problem on drainage wherein the plastic materials are clogging the canal is being addressed, adding that, public funds, especially from the national government, are prohibited from being spent on the drainage system of a private property.
Jaworski cited that in Marikina City since the time of the late former MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando which made Marikina to be known as the Singapore-like urban city in the Philippines.
The Vice Mayor also highlighted the reforms made by Mayor Vico Sotto in Pasig City, who was even recognized in the United States as one of the Best Mayors in the World.
At the same time, Jaworski boasted that Pasig City now has a Php17-billion fund which will enable the local government and the City Council to find solutions to address the problems and concerns of Pasiguenos.
The problem on Meralco is a private matter, Jaworski said, hence it will be referred to the legal department of Meralco.
Pasig City has 30 barangays with eight local legislative districts.
De Leon reported the passage of the Ordinances on “Tapat Mo Linis Mo” and the Solo Parents in the 11th City Council of Pasig.
Martinez said that the 11th City Council is open to all suggestions of Pasiguenos.
Raymundo assured the Pasiguenos that they are focusing on their concerns, especially on education, as well as the concerns of the LGBTQ community.
Agustin, Chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure, said that they have oversight functions over the City Government Departments and that all the City Councilors are whole-heartedly serving the Pasiguenos.
The Pasiguenos were reminded on proper waste disposal and garbage disposal.
Jaworski pointed out that garbage collection in the city is not perfect and everyone’s cooperation is needed to make garbage collection work better.
He also cited the SK as the model of the youth in good character and discipline.