Mayor Hernani A. Braganza issued his fatherly advice to the barangay leaders during the formal turn-over, blessing and MOA signing rites coinciding with the Traditional New Year’s Call held at the Don Leopoldo Sison Auditorium.

Braganza urged the barangay captains to use the vehicles in their all important regular day and night patrol, during emergencies, in transporting our students who will compete in different academic and sports competitions outside the city, and official functions of their councils.

The patrol vans bare no “for official use only” tag or sticker and the Mayor have a ready explanation on this.

“It’s up to our local officials if they will act like civilians and bring their vehicles in inappropriate places or use on private trips anywhere they want,” said Braganza.

“Let us be responsible to our citymates and take good care of this valuable gift,” added the Mayor.

Contrary to the reports circulating in the barangays, the city government didn’t enter into loan agreement with any financial institution for the purchase of said vans.

The funds use to procure this barangay vehicles were derived from the savings incurred last year by the Braganza administration.

The Mayor even thanked the local councils for chipping in 30% from their funds to the total cost of the vehicles.

“Again, this went to show that the bayanihan spirit continue to reign in our city,” said the Mayor.

“We can solve any problems and address pressing concerns and issues we have in Alaminos because we are united…we help, care and support each other.”

And there’s also good news for the 18 barangays that had already received multi-cabs in 2004.

The city head disclosed that there’s a possibility that they could also have a brand new patrol vans provided that the tax collections will be better this year.

“May I then appeal to our barangay officials to help us in our renewed tax collection campaign in your respective communities," the Mayor stressed.

As of today, the city government stands to collect P 44 M real property taxes including penalties and surcharges.

Braganza though expressed optimism with the barangays extending their assistance to the government, more funds will pour in to the city coffer and later be translated into programs and projects such as the purchase of barangay vehicles and improved delivery of services to the people.

As a gesture of sincere gratitude, respect and deep appreciation of his major contributions to their constituents, the barangay council of San Vicente headed by Ronald Bernas presented Mayor Braganza a plaque of recognition right after the turn-over ceremony.

Other local councils are expected to follow suit even as they vowed to abide by the agreement they earlier inked along with the mayor regarding the proper use of these government vehicles and remain supportive to the current thrusts of the city government.(CIO)